Ball Joint And Axle Bearing, Visual Inspection For Damage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Front Axle

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-- Check the lower ball joint boots -arrow- for leaks and damage.

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-- Check the front lower axle bearing for large cracks, tears or cuts in the rubber -arrows-.

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-- Check the rear lower axle bearing for large cracks, tears or cuts in the rubber -arrows-.

Rear Axle

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-- Check all the lower axle bearings for large cracks, tears or cuts in the rubber -arrows-.

-- Check the axle bearings for the following damage:

Complete tear of the connection between rubber molded part and metal.
Large amount of play between the bearing and the axle components, which can significantly influence the bearing negatively.

NOTE:

Rips and tears that are only on the surface such as small detachments between the rubber molded part and metal do not influence the function of the elastokinematic bearing and are not cause for concern.

A damaged thin rubber skin in cavity depending on the design is permissible.

Play between the bearing and the axle component is permissible, as long as the function of the bearing is not affected.