TIAGO

SUSPENSION

5.7.8. PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING THE

BALL JOINT PLAY LOWER ARM:

It is recommended that the axial play on the ball

joints should be checked as per the procedure

given below before removal of the ball joints.

Note:

Please check tightening torque of all nut &

bolts on the ball joint mounting bracket and ball pin

nut before checking the ball joint play.

The front lower arm ball joints play should be

checked at every 10,000 kms as per the procedure

given below.

Procedure:

a) Apply the parking brakes and remove front

wheel by jacking up the car with the help of a

floor jack or by lifting it on a two pole hoist

b) Mount the dial gauge with magnetic stand on

the brake disc as shown in Fig.54.

FIG. 54

Important:

Note that the Dial Indicator plunger

axis should be perpendicular to the ball joint

bottom face for the correct reading.

c) The tip of the dial gauge should be in contact

with the lower arm ball joint bottom plate. (With

preloading of about 1mm on the dial gauge).

d) Place another jack under the lower arm by

gently lifting up the lower arm. The jack is to

be placed under the lower arm as shown in

Fig. 55.

FIG. 55

e) As the jack is lifted slowly spring in the ball

joint gets fully closed (solid) at a load of about

100 kg. And then the dial gauge needle will

start moving and indicate the play in the ball

joint.

f) Keep on increasing the load by lifting up the

lower arm till the needle stops moving further.

Note the reading. This should not be more

than 0.5 mm. Do not further load the ball joint

after the needle movement stops.

g) If the reading found is in excess, replace ball

joint.