Checking Ball Joints

Information 

Conditions for checking the lower axle joint: 

The vehicle must be raised in order to check the axle joint of the lower trailing arm.

1. Check the lower axle joint at the pivot bearing.

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Checking lower axle joint

   Insert a mounting lever into the pivot bearing housing -top arrow-  and lever the ball joint of the axle joint -2-  downwards. See - side arrow-  .

   There must be no play on the joint.

   Information 

   The vehicle must be lowered as far as required until the wheels' own weight is on the ground.

2. Check the upper axle joint at the pivot bearing.

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   Checking pivot bearing

   Hold the top of the wheel and apply pressure to the pivot bearing -1-  on alternate sides in the directions shown -arrows-  .

   There must be no play on the joint.

   CAUTION: Turning steering too sharply using the steering wheel. 

   • Risk of squashing arms. 
     1. → Only turn the steering wheel as far to the left and right as required in order to check the amount of play on the tie rod.

   Information 

   Conditions for checking the tie rod joints: 

   The tie rod joints are checked on the vehicle (standing on its wheels). Vehicles with air suspension must be set to maximum ground clearance.

3. Check tie rod joint.

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Checking tie rod joint

1. 3.1 Check that the dust boots, bellows and joints are working perfectly and have no leaks.
2. 3.2 Check the left tie rod joint.

   Turn the wheels to the right and take hold of the tie rod joint -1-  . Get a second worker to turn the steering by moving the steering wheel back and forth slightly.

   There must be no play on the joint.

   If you detect a certain amount of play that is not caused by the tie rod joint, the axial joint between the steering gear and tie rod is worn. 

3. 3.3 Check the right tie rod joint.

Turn the wheels to the left and take hold of the tie rod joint -1-  . Get a second worker to turn the steering by moving the steering wheel back and forth slightly.

There must be no play on the joint.

If you detect a certain amount of play that is not caused by the tie rod joint, the axial joint between the steering gear and tie rod is worn.