Inspection
1. Inspect the ball joints by separating them from the suspension arm. The supports should not have any play. Check whether the hinge pin can be turned in its socket by hand. If the pin can be turned with your fingers, or if there is play in the hinge, replace the support. You can also check the condition of the lower supports without disassembling the suspension.
2. Raise the front of the car with a jack and install special supports under the frame side members. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm and lift it slightly. Do not support the steering knuckle with a jack - during this test it should move independently of the suspension arm.
3. Make sure there is no play in the front wheel bearings (see chapter 1).
4. Install the dial gauge by placing its stem on the lower edge of the wheel.
5. Try to move the wheel base laterally. In this case, the meter should display a movement not exceeding 2 mm. If the meter reading exceeds the specified value, replace the lower support.
6. When performing the procedure on a four-wheel drive vehicle, install the dial gauge to determine the vertical movement of the wheel. Insert a pry bar between the lower control arm and the lower wheel bearing race.
Caution: Do not rest the pry bar against the drive shaft boot as this may damage it.
Wedge the elements and take the meter reading. If the movement exceeds 3.2 mm, replace the support.
Replacement
7. When replacing the lower ball joint, you must remove the lower suspension arm (see subsection 6). When replacing the upper support, the steering knuckle must be removed (see subsection 10).
8. Contact an auto repair shop to press out the old support and install a new joint in the lower suspension arm or steering knuckle.
9. Install the lower control arm or steering knuckle (see _ subsection 5 or 10).
10. After completing the described procedure, you should check compliance with the standard and, if necessary, adjust the angles of the front wheels.