Front Lower Ball Joint: Inspection

INSPECT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT
1. Inspect the turning of the ball joint.
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Turning Of Ball Joint
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  1. Secure the front lower ball joint assembly in a vise using aluminum plates.
  2. Install the nut to the front lower ball joint assembly stud.
  3. Using a torque wrench, turn the nut continuously at a rate of 3 to 5 seconds per turn and take the torque reading on the 5th turn.
    Torque: 1.0 to 3.4 N*m (10 to 35 kgf*cm, 9 to 30 in.*lbf)
    
    HINT:
    
    If the turning torque is not within the specified range, replace the front lower ball joint assembly with a new one.
2. Inspect the dust cover.
  1. Check that the dust cover is not cracked and that there is no grease on it.