Front Lower Arm Inspection: Notes

1. Remove the wheel and tire. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Remove the front under cover No. 2. (See FRONT UNDER COVER No. 2 REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Remove the front lower arm. (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Inspect the front lower arm for bending or damage.
   • If there is any malfunction, replace the front lower arm. (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Inspect the front lower arm ball joint for excessive play and the dust boot of the front lower arm ball joint for damage.
   • If there is any malfunction, replace the front lower arm. (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
6. Replace the SST securing bolt with a bolt of a suitable length.
7. Rotate and shake the front lower arm ball joint stud 5 times.
8. Install the SST to the front lower arm ball joint stud, and measure the front lower arm ball joint stud starting torque and rotational torque using a torque wrench.

Fig 1: SST To Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Stud

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.