BALL JOINT, CHECKING
Axial Play, Checking
Pull control arm firmly downward in -direction of arrow - and press back up again.
Scheme 59
Radial Clearance, Checking
Press wheel firmly in and out at bottom in -direction of arrow-.
Scheme 60
Note. There should not be any noticeable or visible "play" in either of the two checks. Observe lower ball joint while performing checks. Make allowance for any wheel bearing play or "play" in strut mounting at top. Check rubber boot for damage, replace lower ball joint, if necessary.
Scheme 61
It is necessary to disassemble the joint whenever replacing the grease or if the ball surfaces show wear or damage.
Removing
Mark position of ball hub to ball cage and to housing before disassembling, using electro-writer or grindstone.
Swing ball hub and ball cage.
Remove balls in sequence.
Turn cage, until two rectangular windows -arrow- contact joint body.
Scheme 62
Lift out cage with hub.
Swing segment of hub into rectangular window of cage.
Scheme 63
Fold hub out from cage.
6 balls for each joint belong to a tolerance group. Check stub axle, hub, cage and balls for small depressions (pitting build-up) and chafing. Excessive circumferential backlash in joint makes itself noticed via tip-in shock, in such cases joint should be replaced. Flattening and running marks of balls are no reason to replace joint.
Installing
Press in half of the total grease amount (40 grams) into joint body.
Insert cage with hub into joint body.
Press in opposing balls in sequence, during this, previous position of ball hub to ball cage and to joint body must be established again.
Install new circlip into the hub.
Distribute remaining grease in cover.