Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Ball Joint

Front Ball Joint Wear Limit

1) Measure the play of the ball joint using the following procedures. Replace with a new part if the play exceeds specification.
(1) With 686 N (70 kgf, 154 lbf) loaded in direction shown in the figure, measure the length l1.





(2) With 686 N (70 kgf, 154 lbf) loaded in direction shown in the figure, measure the length l2.





(3) Determine free play using the following formula.
S = l2 -l1
(4) Replace with a new part if the play exceeds specification.

Front ball joint
Replacement standard S Less than 0.3 mm (0.012 in)

2) If the play is within specification, visually check the dust cover.
3) If the dust cover is damaged, replace with a new ball joint.