Front Suspension

FRONT SUSPENSION PARTS
Check front axle and front suspension parts for excessive play, cracks, wear or other damage.





- Shake each front wheel to check for excessive play.
- Make sure that cotter pin is inserted.
- Retighten all axle and suspension nuts and bolts to the specified torque.
Tightening torque: Refer to Suspension; Diagrams; Exploded Views.





- Check strut (shock absorber) for oil leakage or other damage.
- Check suspension ball joint for grease leakage and ball joint dust cover for cracks or other damage. If ball joint dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace transverse link.





- Check spring height from top of wheelarch to the ground.
a. Vehicle must be unladen*, parked on a level surface, and tires checked for proper inflation and wear (tread wear indicator must not be showing).
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
b. Bounce vehicle up and down several times before measuring.
Standard height: Refer to Suspension; Specifications.
c. Spring height is not adjustable. If out of specification, check for worn springs or suspension parts.
- Check upper link free play.





a. Jack up front of vehicle and set stands.
b. Set steering wheel in straight-forward direction and lock it using key lock
c. Remove front wheels.
d. On axle side Install dial gauge.
i. Install magnet stand on third link.
ii. Set dial gauge in position. Set dial gauge spindle in contact with flat surface of upper link. Set at 140 mm (5.51 inch) from center of upper link retaining bolt on the third link side. (Reset dial gauge.)





e. Hold flanges of third link with both hands. Twist third link fully to the right and read dial gauge indication. Similarly, twist third link to the left and read dial gauge indication. Free play = (Gauge indication when third link is fully twisted to the right) + (Gauge indication when third link is fully twisted to the left)
Allowable free play range: 7.0 mm (0.276 inch), max.





On body side
a. Install dial gauge.
i. Install magnet stand on front suspension mount member.
ii. Set dial gauge in position. Set dial gauge spindle in contact with flat surface of upper link. Set at 140 mm (5.51 inch) from center of retaining bolt on bracket side. (Reset dial gauge.)
b. Measure free play in the same manner as on axle side.
Allowable free play range: 5.0 mm (0.197 inch), max.
c. If free play exceeds specifications, replace upper link assembly.





- Check suspension ball joint end play.
a. Jack up front of vehicle and set the stands.
b. Clamp dial indicator onto transverse link and place indicator tip on lower edge of brake caliper.
c. Make sure front wheels are straight and brake pedal is depressed.
d. Place a pry bar between transverse link and inner rim of road wheel.
e. While raising and releasing pry bar, observe maximum dial indicator value.
Vertical end play: 0 mm (0 inch)
If ball joint vertical end play exists, remove transverse link and recheck the ball joint.