Front Lower Arm Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the lower arm from the vehicle.
Inspect the arm for bending or damage, and the ball joint for excessive looseness.
- If there is any malfunction, replace the lower arm.
Rotate the ball joint stud 5 times. Install the SST to the ball joint stud, measure the rotational torque using a pull scale.
- If not within the specification, replace the lower arm.
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Rotation Torque
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Rotational torque 9-43 inch lbs. (1.0-4.9 N.m).
- Pull scale reading 3-10 lbs. (10-49 N).