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
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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:
Filling the Tank
Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently and can cause injury or death.
. To help avoid injuries to you and others, read and follow all the instructions
on the fuel pump island.
. Turn off the engine when refueling.
. Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from fuel.
...
Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement
Removal Procedure
Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
Remove the upper trim cover and the lower trim cover
from the steering column. Refer to Steering Column
Lower Trim Cover Replacement.
Insert the k ...
Tires and Wheels Description and Operation
There are two types of tire and wheel balancing: static and dynamic.
Static balance is the equal distribution of weight around the wheel. Assemblies
that are statically unbalanced cause a bouncing action called wheel tramp. This
condition may eventually cause uneven tire wear.
...
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