Check of a condition of the rubber-metal hinge of the lever of a forward suspension bracket
1 - rubber bushing of the hinge; 2 - outer sleeve of the hinge; 3 – a nut of fastening of an axis of the suspension bracket; 4 – an axis of the suspension arm; 5 - thrust washer of the hinge; 6 - inner sleeve of the hinge; A - radial displacement; B - the distance between the thrust washer and the outer end of the outer sleeve
Measuring the clearance in the upper ball joint with tool 02.8701.9500 (brake not shown)
1 - torque wrench; 2 – a protective casing of a brake; 3 - lever; 4 - screw; 5 – indicator extension; 6 - bolt; 7 - indicator; 8 - base; 9 - bushing; 10 - block; 11 - axis; 12 - spring; 13 - washer; 14 - cotter pin; 15 - wheel hub; 16 - bracket
Scheme for checking the lower ball joints
1 - wheel hub; 2 - lower lever; 3 - lower ball joint; 4 - caliper; 5 - wooden block
During each maintenance, as well as during repairs, it is imperative to check the condition of the protective covers of the ball joints of the suspension, paying special attention to the absence of mechanical damage to the covers. Find out if there are any cracks in the suspension parts or traces of rubbing against road obstacles or the body, deformations of the steering knuckle, lower arm axle, suspension arms, cross member and body front elements, and also check the clearance in the upper ball joint and the condition of the lower ball joint.
Deformation of the axis of the lower arm
1. The deformation of the axis of the lower arm is determined by inspection.
Deformation of the cross member of the front suspension
2. Turn away nuts of fastening of axes of the bottom levers so that in the received gap between a distance washer 28 (see fig. Front suspension) and the mating surface of the cross member fit the leg of the caliper, close to the rod of the front bolt.
3. Measure the length of the cross member between the mounting planes of the axles of the lower arms (left and right), in the area of the front bolts. The distance should be 611±1 mm.
4. If the cross member is deformed so that the wheel alignment cannot be adjusted, replace the cross member.
Condition of rubber-metal hinges
5. Make sure that there is no deformation of the suspension arms, the axle of the lower arm, the cross member, and then hang the front wheels of the car.
6. Measure radial displacement A (see fig. Check of a condition of the rubber-metal hinge of the lever of a forward suspension bracket) outer sleeve 2, relative to the inner sleeve 6, and the distance B between the thrust washer 5 and the outer end of the outer sleeve 2.
7. Rubber joints must be replaced:
- when it is impossible to further adjust the camber of the wheels (when all washers are removed from under the axis of the lower arm);
- with breaks and unilateral «buckling» rubber;
- if the radial displacement A exceeds 2.5 mm;
- if dimension B does not fit within 3–7.5 mm for the lower arm, 1.5–5 mm for the upper arm.
8. If dimension B is outside the specified limits, check that the rubber-metal joint is correctly pressed into the lever socket.
Clearance in upper ball joints
9. The clearance in the upper ball joints is checked using tool 02.8701.9500. Park the vehicle on a level, hard surface, raise the right front of the vehicle and remove the wheel.
10. Substitute a wooden block under the lower ball joint 10 (see fig. Measuring the clearance in the upper ball joint with tool 02.8701.9500) 190 mm high and lower the vehicle onto it.
11. Install the bushing 9 on the nut of the upper hinge fastening bolt closest to the casing, put the base 8 on the bushing and lightly fasten it with the screw 4.
12. By moving the device, set the lever 3 to a vertical position so that its lower end rests against the protective cover 2 of the brake, and tighten the screw 4.
13. Install the indicator 7 into the base post 8 until its legs stop against the lever 3, with an interference of 2–3 mm, and tighten the bolt 6.
14. Attach the bracket 16 to the hub 15 with two wheel bolts, put the torque wrench 1 on the hex head of the bracket axle 16 and torque 196 Nm (20 kgf·m), turn the key to and from the car, sum both indicator readings.
15. The total indicator readings should not exceed 0.8 mm.
16. Repeat the operations for the left front wheel suspension.
Condition of the lower ball joints
17. Park the vehicle on a level, hard surface and lift the right front of the vehicle to remove the wheel.
18. Place a wooden block 5, 280 mm high, under the hub 1, and lower the car on it, clean the lower part of the hinge from dust and dirt and unscrew the conical plug (see fig. Scheme for checking the lower ball joints).
19. Measure the distance with a caliper depth gauge 4 «h» as shown in the diagram.
20. Repeat the operations for the left front wheel suspension.
21. If h \u003d 11.3 mm, then remove the hinge from the car and carefully inspect. There should be no cracks on the hinge body, and dirt in the lubricant. If there is dirt in the lubricant, cracks on the hinge body, and also if h = 11.8 mm, replace the hinge.