STEERING KNUCKLE
The front suspension steering knuckle is not a
repairable component of the front suspension. It
must be replaced if found to be damaged in any way.
If it is determined that the steering knuckle is bent
when servicing the vehicle, no attempt is to be made
to straighten the steering knuckle.
HUB AND BEARING (FRONT)
The hub and bearing is designed for the life of the
vehicle and requires no type of periodic maintenance.
The following procedure may be used for diagnosing
the condition of the wheel bearing and hub.
With the wheel, disc brake caliper, and brake rotor
removed, rotate the wheel hub. Any roughness or
resistance to rotation may indicate dirt intrusion or a
failed hub bearing. If the bearing exhibits any of
these conditions during diagnosis, the hub bearing
will require replacement. The bearing is not service-
able.
Damaged bearing seals and the resulting excessive
grease loss may also require bearing replacement.
Moderate grease weapage from the bearing is consid-
ered normal and should not require replacement of
the wheel bearing.
To diagnose a bent hub, refer to BRAKE ROTOR in
the DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING section in the
BRAKES service manual group for the procedure on
measuring hub runout.
UPPER CONTROL ARM (FRONT)
If damaged, the upper control arm is serviced only
as a complete component. Inspect the upper control
arm for any signs of damage. If control arm shows
any sign of damage the upper control arm must be
replaced. Do not attempt to repair or straighten a
broken or bent upper control arm.
The only serviceable component of the upper con-
trol arm is the ball joint grease seal. No other repair
or replacement procedure should be attempted on
any component of the upper control arm. Service pro-
cedures to replace the serviceable components are
detailed in the specific component sections of this
group.
BALL JOINT (FRONT UPPER)
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels, grasp the grease fitting and with no mechan-
ical assistance or added force, attempt to move the
grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn the grease fitting will move
easily. If movement is noted, replacement of the
upper control arm is required.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
If damaged, the lower control arm casting is ser-
viced only as a complete component. Inspect lower
control arm for signs of damage from contact with
the ground or road debris. If lower control arm shows
any sign of damage, inspect lower control arm for
distortion. Do not attempt to repair or straighten
a broken or bent lower control arm.
The replaceable components of the lower control
arm are: the ball joint grease seal and the control
arm bushings. Inspect both control arm bushings for
severe deterioration, and replace if required.
Inspect the lower ball joint for wear. Use the wear
inspection procedure in the diagnosis and testing sec-
tion in this group of service manual to determine if
the wear is excessive and ball joint (lower control
arm) replacement is required.
Service procedures to replace these components are
detailed in the specific component removal and
installation sections in this group of the service man-
ual.
BALL JOINT (LOWER)
(1) Raise the vehicle on jack stands or centered on
a frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual, for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
Fig. 3 On Vehicle Inspection
1 – UPPER SPRING SEAT
2 – DUST BOOT
3 – SHOCK ABSORBER
4 – COIL SPRING
JX
SUSPENSION
2 - 13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)