Front Ball Joint: Inspection

Measure free play of ball joint by the following procedures. Replace with a new one when the free play exceeds the specified value.
1. With 686 N (70 kgf, 154 lb) loaded in the direction shown in Fig 1 , measure dimension l ₁ .
  
  Fig 1: Measure Dimension L1
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. With 686 N (70 kgf, 154 lb) loaded in the opposite direction shown in Fig 2 , measure dimension l ₂ .
  
  Fig 2: Measure Dimension L2
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Calculate free play from the following formula. S= l₂ - l₁
4. When free play is larger than the following value, replace with a new one.
FRONT BALL JOINT

Standard for replacement: S

Less than 0.3 mm (0.012 in)
When free play is smaller than the specified value, visually inspect the dust cover.
The ball joint and cover that have been removed must be checked for wear, damage or cracks, and any defective part must be replaced.
If the dust cover is damaged, replace with the new ball joint.