B
20
Repair and Service Manual
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
634756
MAINTENANCE
InIn the following text, there are references to removing/
installing bolts, etc. Additional hardware (nuts, washers,
etc.) that is removed must always be installed in original
positions unless otherwise specified. Non-specified
torques are as shown in Fig. 2 on page 4.
Routine maintenance of the front suspension and steer-
ing consists of:
•
periodic inspections for loose, worn or damaged
components
•
alignment checks
•
lubrication of ball joints and wheel bearings
See Lubrication Points (Ref. Fig. 2) and “PERIODIC SER-
VICE SCHEDULE” on page 119. Use only the recom-
mended lubricants. Maintain correct adjustment of front
bearings. Repack in accordance with the Periodic Service
Schedule or if a bearing replacement is required. Routine
examination of tires will provide indications of a possible
required alignment.
Lubrication
Tool List
Qty.
Grease Gun ................................................................. 1
Shop Towels ............................................................. AR
Grease the rack ball joint (1) (Ref. Fig. 2) per Periodic
Service Schedule in Section A. Wipe off old grease and
dirt from grease fitting. Do not use more than three (3)
pumps of grease in any grease fitting. Wipe off any
grease that is forced out of rubber boot.
Fig. 2 Lubrication Points
Do not use more than three (3) pumps of grease in
any grease fitting at any one time. Excess grease
may cause grease seals to fail, or grease to migrate
into areas that could damage components.
Wheel Bearing and King Pin Bushing
Inspection
Lift the front of the vehicle and support on jack stands as
instructed in SAFETY section. Observe all warnings.
Rotate the front wheel and feel for any roughness. While
holding spindle with one hand, grasp bottom of tire with
other hand and rock tire back and forth on spindle.
Some minor rocking movement of tire is normal.
If excess movement is detected, the wheel bearing may
require repacking/adjusting or replacement. For instruc-
tions on wheel bearing packing and wheel bearing adjust-
ment, refer to the specific areas in this section of the
manual.
If the wheel bearing is in good condition, a worn spindle
bearing is indicated. The spindle bearings cannot be
replaced. Spindles with preinstalled bearings are avail-
able through service parts. See “Spindle Replacement” on
Wheel Bearing Packing
Tool List
Qty.
Grease Gun .................................................................1
Bearing Packer (Recommended) ................................1
Lift the front of the vehicle and support on jack stands as
instructed in SAFETY section. Observe all warnings.
Remove hub assembly (1) from spindle and disassemble
(See Fig. 3).
Clean all bearings (2), grease seal (3), hub (4) and dust
cap (5) in solvent (See Fig. 3). Dry thoroughly.
Inspect bearings for signs of damage. Pitting or a blue
coloration of the rollers indicates bearing replacement is
necessary. If the roller portion of the bearing is to be
replaced, the race must also be replaced. (See Fig. 13).
The front wheel bearings are tapered roller type and must
be packed with grease at installation or any time the bear-
ing is removed for inspection.
It is recommended that a bearing packer attached to a
grease gun be used; however, manual packing is accept-
able if done correctly.
Front of Vehicle
1