Checking ball joints (Audi A4 B6)

Ball joints (right and left between the wishbone and the steering knuckle) are located in polymer shells filled with long-life grease. Plastic caps protect them from moisture and dirt. The hinges do not require maintenance, but if the cap is damaged, the hinge must be replaced, since dirt penetrating them acts like sandpaper, and moisture causes rust.

1. Turn the steering wheel to one side until it stops.

2. Check the right and left hinge caps for damage. In this case, in order to detect hidden cracks, the caps must be compressed.

3. A damaged cap cannot be changed separately; in this case, the entire wishbone must be replaced as a set.



4. Check the axial clearance by pulling the suspension arm down hard and then pushing it up again.

5. Check the radial clearance by pressing the wheel inward and outward with force.



The article was copied from the website audimanual.ru