Suspension - Ball Joint Inspection Method
PRODUCT GENERAL INFORMATIONPG012-02
October 11, 2002
Title:
SUSPENSION BALL JOINT INSPECTION
Models:
Applicable Models
Introduction
This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the inspection method, and free play specification figures for suspension ball joints. The on-vehicle inspection methods have been standardized.
Applicable Vehicles
^ 1990 - 2000 model year LS 400 vehicles.
^ 2001 - 2003 model year LS 430 vehicles.
^ 1993 - 2003 model year GS 300 vehicles.
^ 1998 - 2000 model year GS 400 vehicles.
^ 2001 - 2003 model year GS 430 vehicles.
^ 1992 - 2000 model year SC 300 & SC 400 vehicles.
^ 2002 - 2003 model year SC 430 vehicles.
^ 2001 - 2003 model year IS 300 vehicles.
^ 1999 - 2003 model year RX 300 vehicles.
^ 1990 - 2003 model year ES 250 & ES 300 vehicles.
^ 1998 - 2003 model year LX 470 vehicles.
Warranty Information
Inspection Information Table
Free Play Inspection
NOTE:
^ Be sure to check the table for the applicable inspection type based on the vehicle model.
^ Refer to the table for the standard free play values.
1. Inspect Lower Ball Joint Free Play
A. Move the hub up and down by hand (Most models with wish-bone suspension):
a. Remove the tire.
b. Install the 2 lug nuts.
c. Inspect the free play while moving the lug nuts up and down at a force of 67 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf).
B. Move the lower arm by hand (All models with strut type suspension and some models with wish-bone type suspension):
a. Lift up the vehicle.
b. Inspect the free play while moving the lower arm up and down at a force of 67 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf).
2. Inspect Upper Ball Joint Play
Move the upper arm by hand (Models where the LOWER control arm are linked by a torsion bar, and all models using a coil spring.
A. Remove the front tire.
B. Inspect the free play while moving the upper arm up and down at a force of 67 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf).
3. Inspect the Suspension Arm Ball Joint Free Play
A. Lift up the vehicle.
B. Inspect the free play while moving the control arm by hand.
(Reference)
Free Play Inspection Method (Gauge Installation)
^ Position the dial gauge between the arm (upper or lower) and the knuckle, and measure free play.
(This illustration shows how to measure free play for vehicles with double wishbone type suspension with coil spring).
Inspect Ball Joint Dust Cover
Check for cracks and grease leaks on the dust cover (boots).
Turning Inspect Ball Joint Turning Torque
Torque Move the stud back and forth 5 times, Inspection then turn the stud continuously at 3-5 seconds per turn, and measure the turning torque at the 5th turn.
HINT:
Refer to the table for standard values for the turning torque.