Suspension Control Arm Joint Check

Reference: SUSPENSION CONTROL 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: Identifying Washers, Nuts, Wheel Nut & Front Brake Disc

   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.
4. Set pointer to "0" (zero) by turning dial (3).
5. Push control arm up at near ball joint by hand with force of about 20 to 30 N (2.0 to 3.1 kgf) and hold this state for 2 to 3 seconds, and then read dial gauge.
6. Reversing direction of force, pull control arm down at near ball joint by hand with force of about 20 to 30 N (2.0 to 3.1 kgf) 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 control arm assembly.

   Amount of looseness in control arm ball joint 

   "a": less than 0.2 mm (0.008 in.) 

   Fig 2: Checking Total Readings For Looseness

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
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 control arm assembly.
   Fig 3: Pushing Ball Joint Dust Cover

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9. Push top end (1) of ball joint dust cover down to check for rust on ball stud's surface (2) in contact with dust cover. If surface is found rusted, replace control arm assembly.
   Fig 4: Pushing Top End Of Ball Joint Dust Cover

   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 For Cracks And Damage

    Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
12. Detach ball joint stud from steering knuckle. Refer to Suspension Control Arm Removal and Installation .
13. Check that ball joint stud (1) moves without sticking. If not, replace control arm assembly.
    Fig 6: Checking Ball Joint Stud

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14. Connect control arm ball joint stud to steering knuckle. Refer to Suspension Control Arm Removal and Installation .
15. Remove nuts and washers holding the front brake disc.
16. Install front wheel and tighten wheel nuts to specified torque. Refer to WHEEL (WITH TIRE) REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .