Component Tests

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .

Ball Joint Inspection 

1. Firmly grasp the outer end of the suspension lower/upper arm and try to move it up and down, watching and feeling for any movement. Free movement will usually be accompanied by an audible "click". There should be no free movement.
2. If there is any free movement install a new lower/upper arm. Refer to:Lower Arm ,Upper Arm ,
3. If a new lower/upper arm is installed it will be necessary to check and adjust the front wheel alignment.

Strut or Shock Absorber Inspection 

Weepage: 

• deposits a thin film of oil on the strut and spring assembly or shock absorber.
• is normally noticed due to a collection of dust on the strut and spring assembly or shock absorber.
• occurs during the normal running-in period of 4800 - 8050 km. After this period no new signs of oil should be visible.
• does not require new struts or shock absorbers to be installed.

Leakage: 

• covers the entire strut and spring assembly or shock absorber with oil.
• will drip oil onto the surrounding suspension components.

• requires new struts or shock absorbers to be installed.

Strut or Shock Absorber Testing 

1. Remove both strut and spring assemblies or shock absorbers. The piston rods should extend.
   • Disassemble the strut and spring assemblies. Refer to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly .

2. Compress the piston rods. Both piston rods should offer the same resistance when compressing.
3. Compress and release the piston rods. The piston rods should extent equally.
4. Compress and pull the piston rod in the vertical position. Feel if the resistance force at the point of direction change-over is perceptible without a lag. If a lag is perceptible it is an indication of damper valve damage and new struts or shock absorbers must be installed. Refer to:Front Strut and Spring Assembly ,Rear Shock Absorber .