LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Subaru >> 2001 >> Outback Base, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Front Suspension >> Adjustments/Inspection >> Ball Joint Inspection

Ball Joint Inspection

  1. Measure play of ball joint by the following procedures. Replace with a new one when the play exceeds the specified value.
    1. With 690 N (70.4 kgf, 155 lb) loaded in the direction shown in Fig 1, measure dimension 1 .
    2. With 690 N (70.4 kgf, 155 lb) loaded in the opposite direction shown in Fig 2, measure dimension 2 .
    3. Calculate plays from the following formula.
    4. S = 1 - 2
    5. When plays are larger than the following value, replace with a new one.
    6. FRONT BALL JOINT 
    7. Specified play for replacement: S 
    8. Less than .012" (.3 mm)
  2. When play is smaller than the specified value, visually inspect the dust cover.
  3. The ball joint and cover that have been removed must be checked for wear, damage or cracks, and any defective part must be replaced.
  4. If the dust cover is damaged, replace with the new ball joint.
Fig 1: Measuring Dimension l1
G00366846Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Measuring Dimension l2
G00366847Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.