Front Lower Arm Inspection

Special service tool (SST) 

49 FT01 389 Preload adapter

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1. Remove the wheel and tire. (See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Remove 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 (US) .)
4. Inspect the front lower arm for bending and damage, the front lower arm ball joint for excessive play, and the dust boot of the ball joint for cracks.
   • If there is any malfunction, replace the front lower arm. (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (US) .)
5. Replace the SST securing bolt with a bolt of a suitable length.
6. Rotate the front lower arm ball joint in the order of arrows (1) and (2) shown in the figure.

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

7. Repeat Step  6 four times.
8. Measure the front lower arm ball joint initial torque and rotational torque using the SST and a torque wrench.

   Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

   Front lower arm ball joint stud starting torque 

   17 N.m {1.7 kgf.m, 13 ft.lbf} or less

   Front lower arm ball joint stud rotational torque 

   3.2 N.m {33 kgf.cm, 28 in.lbf} or less

   • If not within the standard, replace the front lower arm. (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION (US) .)