Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front Suspension

Ball Joint

Ball Joint:





Wear Limit
Visual Inspection
^ Check transverse link and bushing for deformation, cracks, or damage. If any non-standard condition is found, replace it.
^ Check boot of ball joint for cracks, or other damage, and also for grease leakage. If any non-standard condition is found, replace it.

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

Swing Torque Inspection

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





^ Hook spring balance at ball stud. Confirm spring balance measurement value is within the specifications when ball stud begins moving.
Swing torque: Less than 0.5 - 4.9 Nm (0.06 - 0.49 kg-m, 5 - 43 inch lbs.)
Measure value of spring scale: Less than 0.5 - 4.9 Nm (0.06 - 0.49 kg-m, 5 - 43 inch lbs.)
^ If it is outside the specified range, replace transverse link assembly.

Rotating Torque Inspection





^ Attach mounting nut to ball stud. Check that rotating torque is within the specifications with a preload gauge (SST).
Rotating Torque: Less than 0.5 - 4.9 Nm (0.06 - 0.49 kg-m, 5 - 43 inch lbs.)
^ If it is outside the specified range, replace transverse link assembly.

Axial End Play Inspection
^ Move tip of ball joint in axial direction to check for looseness.
Axial end play: 0.1 mm (0.004 inch)
^ If it is outside the specified range, replace transverse link assembly.