Examination
Assessment of the degree of wear of ball bearings
1. Try to evaluate the condition of the upper and lower ball joints every time the vehicle is lifted off the ground for any reason.
2. After securing the vehicle in a raised position, thoroughly wipe the ball joint assemblies and visually assess the condition of their protective covers. If cracks or cuts are found, the support must be replaced.
3. Support the lower suspension arm with a jack, unloading the ball joint, try to get the jack as close to the support as possible. Make sure the car is securely fixed in the raised position.
4. Alternately prying each of the front wheels with a lever to check the lower ball joints, or each of the upper levers to check the upper ball joints, ask an assistant to evaluate the tightness of the ball joints. If any noticeable play is found, replace the corresponding bearing (see illustration above).
Replacement
Ball bearings form a single whole with the corresponding levers and are not supplied separately as spare parts. If the ball joint fails, the entire arm is replaced (see Sections Removal and installation of the upper control arm of the front suspension and Removal and installation of the lower operating lever of a forward suspension bracket).