Inspection After Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Shaft

Replace the shaft if there is any bending, cracking, or other damage.

Joint Sub-assembly

Check for any rough rotation or unusual axial looseness.
Clean any foreign material from inside the joint sub-assembly.
Check for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures.
CAUTION: If any irregular conditions are found in the joint sub-assembly components, replace the entire joint sub-assembly.

Housing

NOTE: Housing, ball cage, steel ball, and inner race are in a set.

Check for any compression scars, cracks, fractures, or unusual wear on the ball rolling surface.
Check for any deformation of the boot installation components.

Ball Cage

Check the sliding surface for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures of sliding surface.

Steel Ball

Check for any compression scars, cracks, fractures, or unusual wear.

Inner Race

Check the ball sliding surface for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures.
Check for any damage to the serrated part.