Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Ball Joint Inspection
- Raise the front of the vehicle to allow the front suspension to hang free.
- Grasp the tire at the top and the bottom.
- Move the top of the tire in an in-and-out motion.
- Look for any horizontal movement of the knuckle relative to the control arm.
- Ball joints must be replaced under the following conditions:
Caution:
Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking Caution.
- The joint is loose.
- The ball seal is cut.
- The ball stud is disconnected from the knuckle.
- The ball stud is loose at the knuckle.
- The ball stud can be twisted in its socket with finger pressure.
- Ball Stud Inspection
-
Make sure to check the tightness of the ball stud in the knuckle boss during each inspection of the ball joint. One way to inspect the ball stud for wear is to shake the wheel and feel for movement of the stud end or the nut at the steering knuckle.
Another way to inspect the ball stud for wear is to check the fastener torque at the nut. A loose nut can indicate a stressed stud or a hole in the knuckle boss.
Worn or damaged ball joints and knuckles must be replaced.
Trim Height Inspection
Trim Height Measurement
Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height.
Incorrect trim heights can cause the vehicle to bottom out over bumps, damage
to the ...
Rear Spring, Insulator, and Jounce Bumper Replacement
Rear Spring, Insulator, and Jounce Bumper Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedure
Raise and support the vehicl ...
Other materials:
Hydraulic Brake Component Operation Visual Inspection
Disc Brake
With the tire and wheel assemblies removed and the brake rotors retained
by wheel lug nuts, visually inspect the brake caliper piston dust boot (2)
sealing area to ensure that there are no brake fluid leaks.
If any evidence of a brake fluid leak is p ...
Engine Mount Replacement
Engine Mount Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedures
Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement.
Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture.
...
Timing Belt Upper Front Cover Installation
Install the timing belt upper front cover (1).
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution.
Install the 2 timing belt upper front cover bolts (2) and tighten to
6 Y(53 lb in).
...
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