Front Upper Arm Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the upper arm from the vehicle.
Inspect for damage, cracks, and bending.
Inspect the ball joint rotational torque.
1. Rotate the ball joint five times.
2. Measure the rotational torque using a suitable alien socket and a torque wrench.
  - If not within the specification, replace the lower arm component.
  Front upper arm ball joint rotation torque 1.5 N.m {15 kgf.cm, 13 in.lbf} max.
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Ball Joint Rotational Torque
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.