Make sure to check the tightness of the ball stud in theknuckle boss during each inspection of the ball joint. One way to inspect the ball stud for wear is to shake the wheel and feel for movement of the stud end at the knuckle boss.

Another way to inspect the ball stud for wear is to checkthe fastener torque at the pinch nut. A loose nut can indicate a stressed stud or a hole in the knuckle boss.

Worn or damaged ball joints and knuckles must be replaced.

Use the following procedure to check for excessive frictionin the front suspension:

The front suspension has 2 primary purposes:

The front suspension absorbs the impact of the tires travelling over irregular road surfaces and dissipates this energy throughout the suspension system. This process isolates the vehicle occupants from the road surface. The rate at which the suspension dissipates the energy and the amount of energy that is absorbed is how the suspension defines the vehicles ride characteristics. Ride characteristics are designed into the suspension system and are not adjustable. The ride characteristics are mentioned in this description in order to aid in the understanding of the functions of the suspension system. The suspension system must allow for the vertical movement of the tire and wheel assembly as the vehicle travels over irregular road surfaces while maintaining the tire’s horizontal relationship to the road.

This requires that the steering knuckle be suspended between a lower control arm and a strut assembly. The lower control arm attaches from the steering knuckle at the outermost point of the control arm. The attachment is through a ball and socket type joint. The innermost end of the control arm attached at 2 points to the vehicle frame through semi-rigid bushings. The upper portion of the steering knuckle is attached to a strut assembly. The strut assembly then connects to the vehicle body by way of an upper bearing. The steering knuckle is allowed to travel up and down independent of the vehicle body structure and frame.

This up and down motion of the steering knuckle as the vehicle travels over bumps is absorbed predominantly by the coil spring. This spring is retained under tension over the strut assembly. A strut is used in conjunction with this system in order to dampen out the oscillations of the coil spring. A strut is a basic hydraulic cylinder. The strut is filled with oil and has a moveable shaft that connects to a piston inside the strut. Valves inside the shock absorber offer resistance to oil flow and consequently inhibit rapid movement of the piston and shaft. Each end of the shock absorber is connected in such a fashion to utilize this recoil action of a spring alone. Each end of the strut is designed as the connection point of the suspension system to the vehicle and acts as the coil spring seat. This allows the strut to utilize the dampening action to reduce the recoil of a spring alone. The lower control arm is allowed to pivot at the vehicle frame in a vertical fashion. The ball joint allows the steering knuckle to maintain the perpendicular relationship to the road surface. Front suspensions systems utilize a stabilizer shaft. The stabilizer bar connects between the left and right strut assemblies through the stabilizer link and stabilizer shaft insulators. This bar controls the amount of independent movement of the suspension when the vehicle turns. Limiting the independent movement defines the vehicles handling characteristics on turns.

The Front Cradle is a full perimeter frame assembly with four corner-isolated attachments to the body, so that it provides vehicle occupants isolation from road inputs and powertrain noise and vibration (in conjunction with various mounts).

The Front Cradle locates and supports the weight of powertrain on a4-point mount system, front suspension components and steering components, so that they may package, assemble and function properly.

The Front Cradle also contributes to overall vehicle/front bay/rear bay structural stiffness and strength, acts as a structural element in crash as well as manage energy and minimize energy transfer into body structure in barrier impacts.