Front Lower Arm Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the front lower arm from the vehicle.
Inspect the front lower arm for bending or damage. If there is any malfunction, replace it.
Inspect the ball joint for excessive play. If there is any malfunction, replace the front lower arm.
Rotate the ball joint 5 times.
Measure the ball-joint rotational torque using an Allen wrench and a torque wrench.
Front lower arm ball joint rotational torque.
- 4-25 inch lbs. (0.4-2.9 N.m)
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Rotational Torque
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- If not within the specification, replace the front lower arm.