Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

SUSPENSION: FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT: INSPECTION

INSPECTION

1. INSPECT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY





(a) Inspect the turning torque of the ball joint.
(1) Secure the front lower ball joint in a vise using aluminum plates.
(2) Install the nut onto the front lower ball joint stud.
(3) Using a torque wrench, turn the nut continuously at a rate of 3 to 5 seconds per turn and take the torque reading on the 5th turn.
Torque: 0.98 to 3.43 Nm (10 to 35 kgf-cm, 8.7 to 30 in-lbf)
HINT: If the turning torque is not within the specified range, replace the front lower ball joint with a new one.

(b) Inspect the dust cover.
(1) Check that the dust cover is not cracked and that there is no grease on it.