1. Jack up the vehicle until front wheels are off ground.
2. Grasp the bottom of tire and move it in and out in axial direction. If relative movement (B) is observed between the brake disc cover (A) and end of front arm (D), ball joint (C) may be excessively worn.
3. Next, grasp the end of front arm (C) and move it up and down. Relative movement (A) between the housing (D) and front arm (C) boss indicates ball joint (B) may be excessively worn.
4. If the relative movement is observed in the preceding two steps, remove and inspect the ball joint. If the free play exceeds standard value, replace the ball joint. 
5. Damage of dust seal
Visually inspect the ball joint dust seal. When there is damage, remove the front arm to measure the play of ball joint.
(1) If looseness exceeds the standard value, replace the ball joint with a new part.
(2) If the dust seal is damaged, replace it with a new ball joint.
NOTE:
When the front arm ball joint has been removed or replaced, check the toe of front wheel. If it is not within the specified value, adjust the toe.
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(A) |
Dust seal |
2. FRONT, REAR SUSPENSION BUSHING
Apply pressure with tire lever etc. to inspect the bushing for fatigue or cracks. If abnormal, replace the bushing.
1. Unload the cargoes and set the vehicle in curb weight (empty) condition.
2. Then, check the wheel arch height of front and rear suspensions to ensure that they are within specified values.
3. When the wheel arch height is out of the tolerance value, visually inspect the following components and replace deformed parts.
• Suspension components [Front strut assembly and rear strut assembly]
• Parts connecting suspension and body
4. When no components are deformed, adjust wheel arch height by replacing coil spring in the suspension whose wheel arch height is out of standard.
4. WHEEL ALIGNMENT OF FRONT SUSPENSION
1. Check the alignment of front suspension to make sure the following items are within tolerance.
• Toe-in
• Camber
• Caster (Referential Value)
• Steering angle
2. When the caster angle does not conform to the reference value obviously, visually inspect the following components and replace deformed parts.
• Suspension components [Strut assembly, crossmember, front arm, etc.]
• Parts connecting suspension and body
3. When the toe-in and camber are outside of the tolerance value, adjust each one so that they conform to the specified value.
4. When the rotating angles of the right and left tires are out of the specified value, adjust them so that they conform to the specified value.
5. WHEEL ALIGNMENT OF REAR SUSPENSION
1. Check the alignment of rear suspension to make sure the following items are within tolerance.
• Toe-in
• Camber
• Thrust angle
2. When the camber is out of the tolerance value, visually inspect the components below. Replace any deformed or damaged parts.
• Suspension components [Shock absorber, front lateral link, rear lateral link, upper arm, trailing link, sub frame, etc.]
• Parts connecting suspension and body
3. When the toe-in and thrust are outside of the tolerance value, adjust each one so that they conform to the specified value.
6. OIL LEAKAGE OF STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER
Visually inspect the front strut and rear shock absorber for oil leakage. Replace the front strut and rear shock absorber if oil leaks excessively.
7. TIGHTNESS OF BOLTS AND NUTS
Check the bolts and nuts for looseness. Retighten the bolts and nuts to specified torque. If the self-locking nuts and bolts are removed, replace them with new parts.
Check the following parts and the fastening portion of the vehicle body for deformation or excessive rusting which impairs the suspension. If necessary, replace the damaged parts with new parts. If minor rust, pitting, etc. are noted, remove the rust and take rust prevention measure.
• Front suspension
• Front arm
• Crossmember
• Strut
• Rear suspension
• Sub frame
• Front lateral link
• Rear lateral link
• Upper arm
• Trailing link
• Shock absorber
• In the area where salt is sprayed to melt snow on a road in winter, check suspension parts for damage caused by rust every 12 months after lapse of 60 months. Take rust prevention measures as necessary.