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 5 times.
7. 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)] .)