Front Axle

Ball Joint

BALL JOINT:

Visual Inspection
^ Check steering knuckle and ball seat for deformation, cracks, and other damage. Replace steering knuckle and ball seat if cracks, deformation or other damage is found.
^ Check ball joint boot for deformation, damage, and also for grease leakage. Replace steering knuckle assembly if cracks, deformation or also for grease leakage is found.

Steering Knuckle Ball Joint Inspection
Manually move ball stud to confirm it moves smoothly with no binding.

Swing Torque Inspection

CAUTION: Before measurement, move ball joint at least ten times by hand to check for smooth movement.





^ Hook spring scale at cotter pin mounting hole. Confirm spring scale measurement value is within specifications when ball stud begins moving.
Standard value
Swing force 0.147 - 1.4 Nm (0.02 - 0.14 kg-m, 2 - 12 inch lbs.)
Measurement force: 2.23 - 21.2 N (0.22 - 2.16 kg, 0.50 - 4.77 lbs.)
^ If the value is outside the standard, replace steering knuckle.

Rotating Torque Inspection





^ Attach mounting nut to ball stud. Check that rotating torque is within specifications with a preload gauge (SST).
Standard value
Rotating torque 0.147 - 1.4 Nm (0.02 - 0.14 kg-m, 2 - 12 inch lbs.)
^ If the value is outside the standard, replace steering knuckle.

Axial End Play Inspection
^ Move tip of ball joint in axial direction to check for looseness.
Standard value
Axial end play 0 mm (0 inch)
^ If the value is outside the standard, replace steering knuckle.