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:
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender.
When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender
will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal inju ...
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the transmission into P (Park)
properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called “torque lock.” To prevent t ...
Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side
Removal Procedure
Remove the battery tray. Refer to
Battery Tray Replacement.
Install the engine support fixture. Refer to
Engine Support Fixture.
Remove and DISCARD the left transmission mount to
bracket bolts (1).
Remove the left transmission mo ...
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