Front Ball Joint: Inspection

Measure the play of ball joint by the following procedures. Replace with a new one when the play exceeds specified value.
1. With 686 N (70 kgf, 154 lb) loaded in direction shown in Fig 1 , measure the dimension lambda ₁ .
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Play Of Ball Joint
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. With 686 N (70 kgf, 154 lb) loaded in direction shown in Fig 2 , measure the dimension lambda ₂ .
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Play Of Ball Joint
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Determine the plays from the following formula. S = ( lambda ₂ - lambda ₁ )
4. Replace with a new one when the play exceeds specified value.
FRONT BALL JOINT

Specified play for replacement S:

Less than 0.3 mm (0.012 in)
When the play is within specified value, visually check the dust cover.
Remove the ball joint and cover, check them for wear, damage or cracks, and then replace them if any defective part is found.
If the dust cover is damaged, replace with a new ball joint.