Contents: Inspection ↧ Replacement ↧
Inspection
1. Inspect the ball joints by separating them from the suspension arm. The supports must not have any play. Check if the hinge pin can be turned in its socket by hand. If the stud can be turned with your fingers, or if there is play in the joint, replace the support. It is also possible to 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 up slightly. Do not support the steering knuckle with a jack - it should move independently of the suspension arm during this test.
3. Check that there is no play in the front wheel bearings (see chapter 1).
4. Install the dial gauge by placing its rod on the lower edge of the wheel.
5. Try to move the wheel base in the transverse direction. The gauge should display a movement of no more than 2 mm. If the gauge reading exceeds the specified value, replace the lower support.
6. When performing the procedure on a four-wheel drive vehicle, position 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 press the pry bar against the drive shaft boot as this may damage the boot.
Unwedge 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, it is necessary to remove the lower suspension arm (see subsection 6). When replacing the upper support, it is necessary to remove the steering knuckle (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, check the compliance with the norm and, if necessary, adjust the front wheel alignment angles.
[The article is based on data from the website: «ChevyMan»]