2026-04-23

Suspension - Front (Inspection)

Correction code 31010700314 0.3 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and FRT listed above reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure you are wearing proper PPE when performing the procedure below. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-04-23: Released new procedure.

Inspection Summary

Component Inspection Description Comment
Front Upper Control Arms (FUCA) With wheels on the ground, turn the steering wheel left/right to check for FUCA creaking noise See video FUCA Creaking Noise (step 1)
Front lateral links With wheels on the ground, turn the steering wheel full lock left/right to check for lateral link clicking noise See video Lateral Link Clicking Noise (step 1)
Front lateral links While raising the vehicle, listen for creaks in the suspension See video Lateral Link Creaking Noise (step 4)
Front aeroshield panel Inspect for contact between lateral link and front aeroshield panel See step 6
Front ball joints (condition) Visually inspect all front ball joints See steps 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15
Front ball joints (play) Inspect for excessive play on all front ball joints See steps 11, 12, 14, 15
Front compliance links Visually inspect compliance link bushings See steps 10 and 13
Front lateral link bushes Turn steering wheel and inspect lateral link bushings See steps 17 through 26

Inspection Details

  1. Test for front suspension noise.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    While parked on the two post lift, before jacking up the vehicle, close all windows, release the brake pedal, and then turn the steering wheel to the left and right.
    • While slightly turning the steering wheel to the left and right, listen for creaking noises, indicating FUCA issues. See Toolbox article #54817.

      FUCA Creaking Noise

    • While fully turning the steering wheel, listen for clicking noises near the end of the turning cycle, indicating front lateral link issues. See Toolbox article #6960000.

      Lateral Link Clicking Noise

  2. Lower the LH front window.
  3. Prepare the vehicle for lifting. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  4. Inspect the front lateral links for noise.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    During raising the vehicle, pay attention to creaking noises while the vehicle is being raised, before the front wheels leave the floor. This is an indication of front lateral link wear. Confirm their condition in later steps.
  5. Fully raise the vehicle.
  6. Inspect the front aero shield for contact with the lateral link.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Check whether the front aero shield is touching the LH and/or RH front lateral link. Perform rework as per SB-24-12-009 when this is not yet done.
  7. Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  8. Inspect the LH front ball joints.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Visually Inspect the ball joint for cracks, grease leakage, unseated boot and/or boot puncture.
  9. Inspect the RH front ball joints.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Visually Inspect ball joints for cracks, grease leakage, unseated boot and/or boot puncture.
  10. Inspect the inner bushing of the LH compliance link.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect for unusual cracks. Pry to test for excessive movement. If cracking is found in the red highlighted area, then proceed to replacement.
  11. Inspect LH compliance link to knuckle ball joint
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect the ball joint for cracks, grease leakage, unseated boot, boot puncture, and ball joint free play. Replace any damaged component
  12. Inspect the LH lateral link to knuckle ball joint.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect the ball joint for cracks, grease leakage, unseated boot, boot puncture, and ball joint free play. Replace any damaged component
  13. Inspect the inner bushing of the RH compliance link.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect for unusual cracks. Pry to test for excessive movement. If cracking is found in the red highlighted area, then proceed to replacement.
  14. Inspect the RH compliance link to knuckle ball joint.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect ball joint for cracks, grease leakage, unseated boot, boot puncture, and ball joint free play. Replace any damaged component.
  15. Inspect the RH lateral link to knuckle ball joint.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect ball joint for cracks, grease leakage, unseated boot, boot puncture, and ball joint free play. Replace any damaged component.
  16. Lower the vehicle until the tires are touching the ground.
  17. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left.
  18. Lock the steering wheel into position.
  19. Fully raise the vehicle.
  20. Inspect the inner bushing of the RH lateral link.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect for unusual cracks. Pry to test for excessive movement. If cracking is found in the red highlighted area, then proceed to replacement.
  21. Lower the vehicle until the tires are touching the ground.
  22. Remove the steering wheel holder.
  23. Turn steering wheel fully to the right.
  24. Lock the steering wheel into position.
  25. Fully raise the vehicle.
  26. Inspect the inner bushing of the LH lateral link.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect for unusual cracks. Pry to test for excessive movement. If cracking is found in the red highlighted area, then proceed to replacement.
  27. Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace)
  28. Fully lower the vehicle.
  29. Remove the steering wheel holder.