Determining the technical condition of suspension parts on a vehicle (VAZ-1111)

During each maintenance, as well as during repairs, the condition of the protective covers of the ball joints is checked, paying particular attention to the absence of mechanical damage to the covers.

They find out if there are any cracks or traces of contact with road obstacles or the body on the suspension parts, deformations of the transverse levers, braces, stabilizer bars and their struts and subframe in the places where the suspension units and parts are attached. Deformations of suspension parts and, above all, braces and subframes disrupt the wheel alignment angles and make it impossible to adjust them.

The condition of the rubber-metal hinges, rubber cushions, ball joints of the suspension, as well as the condition of the upper supports of the telescopic suspension struts are checked. The rubber-metal hinges and rubber cushions are replaced in case of ruptures and one-sided bulging of the rubber and in case of cutting of their end surfaces.

To check the condition of the suspension ball joint, remove the wheel and measure the distance between the lower arm 9 (see figure 97) and brake disc 12 and in zone B. If this distance changes by more than 0.8 mm when the suspension is rocked, the ball joint is replaced. To measure the gap in the ball joint on a vehicle, use device 02.7834.9503. A more accurate check of the ball joint is described below (see section. "Checking the technical condition").