Repair Instructions

This repair procedure will involve inspecting and testing the current condition of the front lower control arms:

1) visual inspection of the hanger bracket portion of both front lower control arms for rust perforation

2) "Punch test" the upper and lower portions of the hanger bracket area of both front lower control arms

After visually inspecting and "punch testing" both control arms, the following applies:

^ Pass: if both control arms pass both checks, as a preventative measure it will be necessary to apply antirust materials to the areas of concern

^ Fail: if either control arm fails either check, both will require replacement





Necessary Tools and Supplies

This repair procedure may involve applying anti-rust material to a portion of the front lower control arms

Exposure Controls for use of Nox-Rust(R) X-210 and Nox-Rust(R) 7703B

The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for these products is included in each product carton and available in the electronic version of this bulletin posted on STIS.

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator for organic vapor and mist to control exposure where ventilation is inadequate Example: 3M(TM) Dual Cartridge Respirator Assembly, Organic Vapor/P95: 07191, 07192, 07193 or 3M(TM) Dual Cartridge Respirator Packout, Organic Vapor/P95: 07178, 07179.

Ventilation: General and local exhaust.

Personal Protective Equipment:

Caution:
Avoid prolonged skin contact

Protective Gloves: Impervious gloves (Viton, PV0H, etc)

Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggle

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: If splashing is anticipated, wear rubber apron and boots or other protective equipment to minimize contact.

Inspection Procedure

Front Lower Control Arm (Transverse Link)





The inspection will require checking for rust perforation of the right and left hanger bracket portion of the front lower control arms.

Appearance check and punch test is required on both sides. If either side fails the appearance check or punch test both control arms will need to be replaced.

Caution:
Wear proper eye protection

Raise vehicle on lift. Note: Keep steering wheel unlocked

Remove the left and right front wheels.

Visual Inspection





Beginning on the right side of vehicle visually inspect the hanger bracket portion of the control arm (top sides and bottom) for any signs of rust perforation.

Inspect the left side.

If there are signs of rust perforation, proceed with replacing both control arms.

If there are no signs of rust perforation, proceed with the punch test.

Punch Test





Starting on the right side use a rag and remove any dirt, mud, surface rust or under coat from the top and bottom surfaces of the hanger bracket for measuring the location for punch testing.





Measure the bottom surface approximately 40mm from the weld to the center of the hanger bracket and make a mark

Next measure the top surface





Measure approximately 35mm from the weld to the center of the hanger bracket and make a mark





Prepare the Punch Tester

Caution:
Do not cave the lock pin in the lock groove when not in use. It is not only dangerous, but it will cause degradation of spring force and punching function.

Note:
This tool should be used for punch test purpose only Do not use it for other purposes.





Slide the trigger tube toward the punch tip and set the lock pin to the trigger tube.





Draw the trigger tube downward and set the lock pin to the lock groove

Lower Punch Test





Firmly set the tip of the punch tester vertically at the previously marked point While pushing up, hold the handle and twist the trigger tube clockwise to trigger punch test.

Upper Punch Test

Firmly set the tip of the punch vertically at the previously marked point While pushing down hold the handle and twist the trigger tube clockwise to trigger punch test.





Using a paper clip, insert it into the indentation made by the punch tester. Work the paper clip back and forth in an attempt to penetrate the metal. If the paper clip cannot be inserted, perform the procedure on the upper surface.

If the paper clip can be pushed through the metal, the arm is failed.

If the right side is failed, replace both control arms.

If no rust perforation, perform punch test on left side.

If the left side is failed, replace both control arms.

If both sides pass the visual and punch test, proceed with rust proofing.