All Models (1973)

Check ball joint rubber boot for cracks and tears and if necessary, replace boot. Check ball joint for wear or looseness by disconnecting each tie rod and attaching a spring tension scale to tie rod hole in spindle arm. Measure amount of force required to rotate each spindle. If this measurement is not within 13-22 ft. lbs. (1.796-3.040 mkg), it will be necessary to replace ball joint. See Mazda in SUSPENSION Section.