Front Lower Arm Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Mazda CX-5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the front lower arm. (See FRONT LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Inspect the front lower arm for bending or damage, and the front lower arm ball joint for excessive looseness.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the front lower arm.
Rotate the front lower arm ball joint stud 5 times . Install the SST to the front lower arm ball joint stud, measure the rotational torque using a torque wrench.

Fig 1: Rotating Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Stud

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

If not within the specification, replace the front lower arm.
Front lower arm ball joint stud starting torque
17 N.m {1.7 kgf.m, 12 ft.lbf} max.
Front lower arm ball joint stud rotational torque
3.2 N.m {33 kgf.cm, 28 in.lbf} max.