Suspension Arm Joint Check (2013)

Reference: SUSPENSION ARM REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION 

1. Remove front wheel. Refer to WHEEL (WITH TIRE) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
2. Using washers (2) and other nuts (3) than the wheel nut, fix front brake disc (1) at diagonally opposing two studs.
   CAUTION: If the wheel nut is used to fix the front brake disc, the tapered end of the wheel nut may damage. Do not use wheel nut for the brake disc fixation in this step.
   Fig 1: Disc, Washer & Nuts

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
3. Set dial gauge (2) using magnetic stand (1) placed on front brake disc.
   NOTE: Apply measuring tip of dial gauge perpendicular to bottom center surface of ball joint as much as possible.
   Fig 2: Setting Dial Gauge

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
4. Set pointer to "0" (zero) by turning dial (3).
5. Push suspension arm up at near ball joint by hand with force of about 20 to 30 N (2.0 to 3.1 kgf, 4.5 to 6.7 lbf) and hold this state for 2 to 3 seconds, and then read dial gauge.
6. Reversing direction of force, pull suspension arm down at near ball joint by hand with force of about 20 to 30 N (2.0 to 3.1 kgf, 4.5 to 6.7 lbf) and hold this state for 2 to 3 seconds, and then read dial gauge.
7. Check total "a" of readings in steps 5) and 6), amount of looseness. If measured looseness exceeds specified range below, replace suspension arm assembly.

   Amount of looseness in suspension arm ball joint 

   "a": less than 0.2 mm (0.008 in.) 

8. Lightly push ball joint dust cover (1) with fingers to check whether there is water inside. If water is found to come out, replace suspension arm assembly.
   Fig 3: Ball Joint Dust Cover

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
9. Push top end (1) of ball joint dust cover down to check for rust on ball joint stud's surface (2) in contact with dust cover. If surface is found rusted, replace suspension arm assembly.
   Fig 4: Checking For Rust On Ball Joint Stud Surface

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
10. Move top end of ball joint dust cover back to original position.
11. Check ball joint dust cover (1) for cracks and damage. If it is cracked or otherwise damaged, replace ball joint dust cover.
    Fig 5: Checking Ball Joint Dust Cover

    Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
12. Detach ball joint stud from steering knuckle. Refer to SUSPENSION ARM REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
13. Check that ball joint stud (1) moves without sticking. If not, replace suspension arm assembly.
    Fig 6: Ball Joint Stud

    Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
14. Connect suspension arm ball joint stud to steering knuckle. Refer to SUSPENSION ARM REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
15. Remove nuts and washers that fix front brake disk.
16. Install front wheel and tighten wheel nuts to specified torque. Refer to WHEEL (WITH TIRE) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .