LI33 00-N-066643

Ball joint check on front axle
Topic number
LI33.00-N-066643
Version
2
Function group
33.00 General
Date
10-18-2017
Validity
Model 901.###, 902.###, 903.###, 904.###, 905.###,
906.###
Reason for change
Addition of 906.###
Reason for block
Complaint:
•
•
Supporting ball joint has too much play.
Supporting ball joint makes noises.
Attachments
File
Description
01.jpg
Supporting ball joint check
Cause:
•
•
•
Incorrect diagnosis of supporting ball joint.
The supporting joint has been exposed to extreme operating conditions (e.g. rough roads), which has caused
damage to the rubber boot and this has resulted in increased wear.
The supporting ball joint is assumed to be the component causing the noise when the vehicle is driven on uneven road surfaces or on bends.
Remedy:
Due to the fact that supporting ball joints are frequently replaced unnecessarily, we would once again like to point out
that checking the supporting ball joints for axial play is not required and is not possible.
The wear behavior of the supporting joints under normal operating and service conditions is designed for the
"vehicle's service life".
Note: The following test steps for testing supporting ball joints have been agreed upon with the leading test organizations:
The supporting ball joints of the front axle must be checked for unacceptably high wear and to establish whether the
dust boot is seated correctly and is undamaged. The stabilizer bar, shock-absorber struts, springs and their attachments must be checked to establish whether they are the cause of the noise.
Checking for wear:
•
Raise the vehicle at the front axle at the center of the crossmember at the level of the leaf spring using a floor
jack until the wheels are no longer in contact with the ground.
•
When raising the vehicle, monitor whether there is lateral misalignment (radial play) in the supporting joint.
•
Misalignment of more than 3 mm is rated as a serious defect by the technical inspection associations.
Checking dust boot:
•
Visual inspection for correct seating and possible damage.
•
Squeeze the boot together (using your fingers, not tools) to check the concealed parts and to establish whether
moisture has penetrated the joint.
•
Damage to the dust boot must be rated as a serious defect (if such damage exists, the supporting joint can be
expected to fail soon).
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© Copyright Daimler AG
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Note:
Checking for wear by means of a pry bar or comparable tool is not recomended by the manufacturer. If this is performed there is a risk of the ball joint bearing shell being damaged due to excessive test forces and / or the rubber boot
being damaged as a result of being trapped.
Symptoms
Chassis/suspension / Noises / Cracking
Chassis/suspension / Noises / Knocks
Chassis/suspension / Noises / Thumping
Chassis/suspension / Suspension/Dampening / Suspension system noises / Thumping
Operation numbers/damage codes
Op. no.
Operation text
Time
Damage
code
Note
33113 36
Front axle lower supporting joint –
Noise
The listed damage code is not to
be considered as an acceptance of
costs. The general guidelines in the
Warranty Manual apply.
33113 D1
Front axle lower supporting joint –
The listed damage code is not to
be considered as an acceptance of
costs. The general guidelines in the
Warranty Manual apply.
Validity
Vehicle
Engine
Transmission
Sprinter I
*
*
Sprinter II
*
*
Sprinter III
*
*
Attachments
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© Copyright Daimler AG
PUCKETL
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01.jpg:
10-18-2017 9:37 PM
© Copyright Daimler AG
PUCKETL
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