Inspection After Disassembly

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

Boot

Check boot for cracks. Replace if any damage is found.

Outer Socket and Inner Socket

Ball joint swinging torque

Hook a spring balance to the ball stud and inner socket measuring point (*) and pull the spring balance. Make sure that the spring balance reads the specified value when ball stud and inner socket start to move. Replace outer socket and steering gear assembly if they are outside the standard.

Fig 1: Checking Ball Joint Swinging Torque

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Tool number: - (J-44372)

Swinging torque: Refer to "STEERING GEAR "

Ball joint rotating torque

Make sure that the reading is within the following specified range using Tool. Replace outer socket if the reading is outside the specified value.

Fig 2: Checking Ball Joint Rotating Torque

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Tool number: ST3127S000 (J-25765-A)

Rotating torque: Refer to "STEERING GEAR "

Ball joint axial end play

Apply an axial load of 490 N (50 kg, 111 lb) to ball stud. Measure amount of stud movement using a dial gauge and then make sure that the value is within the following specified range. Replace outer socket and inner socket if the measured value is outside the standard.

Fig 3: Checking Ball Joint Axial End Play

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Axial end play: Refer to "STEERING GEAR "