Deformation of the lower arm axis is revealed by inspection.
The deformation of the front suspension cross member is checked in the following order:
- unscrew the nuts securing the lower arm axles so that the resulting gap between washer 28 (see fig. 100) and the mating surface of the cross member placed the caliper leg close to the rod of the front bolt;
- measure the length of the cross member between the planes of the lower arm axles (left and right) in the area of the front bolts. The distance should be (611±1) mm. The crossbar should be replaced if it has become deformed to the extent that the wheel alignment angles cannot be adjusted.
The condition of rubber-metal hinges is checked in the following order:
- after making sure that there is no deformation of the suspension arms or the lower arm axle, the front wheels of the car are lifted up;
- measure the radial displacement A (Fig. 101) of the outer bushing 2 relative to the inner bushing and the distance B between the thrust washer 3 and the outer end of the outer bushing 2. Rubber-metal hinges are replaced if it is impossible to adjust the wheel camber (when all washers are removed from under the lower arm axle), in case of ruptures and one-sided "bulging" of rubber 1, in case of radial displacement A over 2.5 mm and if dimension B does not fit within the limits of 3-7.5 mm for the lower arm and 1.5-5 mm for the upper arm. If dimension B goes beyond the specified limits, the correctness of pressing of the rubber-metal hinge into the arm socket is checked.
The clearance in the upper ball joints is checked using the device 02.8701.9500. To do this, place the car on a flat horizontal surface with a hard surface, lift the front part of the car and remove the wheel. Place a wooden block 10 (Fig. 102) 190 mm high under the lower ball joint and lower the car onto it. Install sleeve 9 on the nut of the upper hinge mounting bolt closest to the casing, then put base 8 on the sleeve and lightly secure it with a screw. By moving the device, set lever 3 in a vertical position so that its lower end rests and tighten screw 4. Install indicator 7 in the stand of base 8 until its leg 5 stops in lever 3 with an interference of 2-3 mm and tighten bolt 6. Attach bracket 12 to hub 11 with two bolts, put torque wrench 1 on the hexagonal head of bracket axle 12 and turn the key towards and away from the car with a torque of 20 kgf·m. Both indicator readings are summed up. The sum should not exceed 0.8 mm.
The condition of the lower ball joints is checked in the following order:
- place the car on a flat horizontal surface with a hard surface and lift the right front part of the car, then remove the wheel;
- a wooden block 4, 280 mm high, is installed under the hub 7 (Fig. 103) and the car is lowered onto it, the lower part of the joint 2 is cleaned of dust and dirt and the conical plug is unscrewed;
- measure the distance H with a depth gauge of a vernier caliper 3, as shown in the diagram. If H≥11.3 mm, then the joint is removed from the car and carefully inspected. There should be no cracks on the joint housing, and no dirt in the grease. If there is dirt in the grease, cracks on the joint housing, or at 11.8 mm, the joint is replaced.
The condition of the front body elements is checked as indicated in Chapter 7 "Body".