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:
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.
Warning
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness,
and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious
— or even fatal — collision if y ...
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat.
2. Remove the wheel cover, if the vehicle has one, to reach the wheel bolts.
3. Turn the wheel nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. Do not remove them yet.
4. Place the jack at the position marked with a half circle.
5. In ...
Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning.
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components
Caution.
Visually inspect the brake fluid level through the brake master cylinder
reservoir.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the half-full point ...
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