Replacement of ball joints for Renault Logan.

Ball mechanism for Renault Logan: what and how

The ball joint is an important component of the chassis of almost any modern car. Logan's is non-separable, maintenance-free and is officially supplied only with a lever. It consists of a ball pin, which is pressed into a metal body along with a plastic bushing. Designed to connect the steering wheel hub to the main front suspension arm. If you “run” this unit to a critical state, then the front wheel may spontaneously turn to the side, separately from the other. This situation is dangerous, especially at speeds over 30 km/h.

General view of the front suspension structure: 1 — suspension subframe; 2 — suspension arm with silent blocks and ball joint; 3 — steering knuckle with hub and bearing; 4 — shock-absorbing strut; 5 — anti-roll bar

Installing a new ball joint

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Before installing a new ball, thoroughly clean all surfaces. The installation procedure for the element is much simpler than dismantling it. In order to assemble the entire assembly, you will need to perform the following steps:

Place the ball joint housing and hammer it carefully into the seat. Be careful not to damage the element. And make sure that the slots on the body and in the hole of the lever match.
Install the rubber boot and secure the position of the ball joint housing using the locking ring.
Install the lever at the attachment points to the body. Secure it with nuts.
Since it is very easy to remove the ball joint without a puller on a Logan, it must also be installed without a special tool. Simply place your finger in the hole of the steering knuckle and fix the position by screwing in the bolt.
Install the anti-roll bar.

After all this work, you can install the front wheel and check the operation of the new hinge. This completes the procedure for replacing the ball joint on the Renault Logan. There should not be any problems during the work.

Diagnostics of supports: repair or replace?

No one can say exactly how long the ball joints on Logan last. The main signs of a faulty ball joint in a Renault Logan are knocking and creaking. If you hear unusual sounds when turning the steering wheel, you should check the suspension. Knocking on uneven surfaces also indicates a breakdown. But if the suspension “rattles” on a bad road, then do not rush to buy a new ball joint. Be sure to check the stabilizer struts, which fail more often, but knock no less.

For a more accurate “diagnosis” it is necessary to check the absence of play in the ball joint. This is done on a lift or simply by removing the front wheel. Next, you need to place a pry bar between the steering knuckle and the chassis lever and try to unclench them. With a properly functioning suspension, you won't be able to do this. If there is free movement, then the life of the part has been exhausted and replacement is required.

A sure sign of a quick repair is a torn protective boot on the ball joint. If dirt or water gets inside the housing, the part will not last more than 2–3 thousand kilometers.

The boot is not sold as a separate part.

Purpose of the ball joint

The ball joint on the Logan has almost the same design as on any other car. The only differences can be found in the type of attachment to the suspension arm. With the help of this hinge, the front wheel hub rotates relative to the suspension arm and the car body. The second point of attachment of the hub is the shock absorber strut, which rotates in the support bearing.

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The hinge design consists of the following components:

Conical finger. It has a thread on one edge and a spherical surface on the other. The ball joint bolt on the Renault Logan is screwed directly into the hole in the steering knuckle and fixes the position of the pin.
A metal housing that contains the spherical part of the hinge.

The element is constantly exposed to heavy loads, even when driving on a flat road. Therefore, the body is made of special grades of steel, in addition, an anodizing process is used. To prevent dirt or moisture from getting inside the mechanism, the kit includes a rubber-metal boot. It has high elasticity, so it freely changes shape when driving. The ball joint is secured to the steering knuckle using a threaded connection.

What preparatory work needs to be done

If you decide to change the ball joint separately, then in addition to the spare part itself, you will need additional tools. Since you will have to press the old ball out of the lever with your own hands, ideally you will need a special press (puller). With its help, it is possible to dismantle the support more accurately, and therefore the new one will be installed more reliably. You can find a press at most service stations, but if you don’t have access to such a tool, you can make do with improvised means. For pressing out, you can use a piece of pipe slightly larger in diameter than the ball. And for pressing, a head size 34 or 36 is suitable. In addition, you need keys for 13, 16 and 18, as well as a large flat screwdriver.

When purchasing a spare part, be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer. Experienced logan drivers recommend installing TRW, Lemforder or Sidem.

Replacing a Renault Logan ball joint - how to choose parts and tools

In 2013, Renault began producing a new line of these elements (“Logan2”), in which, instead of a circular groove (401604793R), pins (401602523R) are mounted - be sure to take into account the production date of your car when purchasing (for new cars, the “Logan1” modification is not will do).

The ball in these cars has a cone size of 0.18 cm and an internal diameter of 0.383 cm. For work, choose the R10079 mandrel bushing.

If you want to save money by finding an analogue, focus on the following manufacturers:

Hofer;
“Belaz”;
Avtovaz (“Lada-Largus”);
"Cedar".

When buying Chinese products, be extremely careful - often their quality is poor.

Making a plug yourself

The cover allows you to inspect the part without removing it. To do this, a hole the size of a ball is made at the bottom using a milling machine. finger. They make carvings from the inside (ask for this service at any tool shop - it’s inexpensive). Separately, a plug is made according to the shape of the bottom (threads are also needed here). To avoid mistakes, use an additional part as a consumable, with which you cut off the bottom - it will serve as a template. To be able to tighten the knot, cut slots for the key. Install new polymer liners. Lock the thread to prevent uncontrolled unscrewing at an unexpected moment.

How to change it yourself: step-by-step instructions

There are two methods for replacing a ball joint on a Renault Logan - with and without removing the lever. In the first case, it is more convenient to dismantle the faulty ball joint, in the second - there is less assembly and disassembly work. In the instructions we consider both options. Basic steps:

remove the wheel;
remove the caliper;
unscrew and knock out the ball joint;
remove the lever (with the first method);
press out the old support;
press in a new one;
assemble in reverse order.

Let's take a closer look at each point.

There shouldn't be any problems removing the wheel. But when removing the caliper, you need to unscrew the two 18mm mounting bolts, and then release the brake pads. This can be done using a screwdriver or a small pry bar. To decompress, rest not against the disc, but against the pad. After dismantling, hang the caliper higher on the suspension spring using wire or rope.

Drive a screwdriver into the slot of the steering knuckle and remove the ball

If the old boot is intact, it is better to keep it

Be careful when working with the ball seat

How to remove and replace ball joints on a Renault Logan: video

Tools and accessories

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To replace the ball joint on a Renault Logan with your own hands, you will need to acquire some special tools. You need the following set of tools:

Reliable jack and wheel chocks, supports for the car.
Slotted screwdriver.
Balloon - for unscrewing bolts on wheels.
Keys to “13”, “16”, “18”.
Socket head at “30”.
A small piece of pipe. Its diameter should be slightly smaller than that of the ball joint housing.

You definitely need to have a hammer on hand - this is an indispensable tool that will be useful for any work. Pullers are not required for dismantling; the ball joint is installed differently than on domestic cars.

Replacement nuances

The main disadvantage of replacing the ball joint separately from the arm is the possibility that it may “pop out” of its seat. In this case, the steering wheel turns 30–40 degrees to the side and the ball joint is guaranteed to fail (at least the boot). If this happens, then in most cases the entire lever needs to be replaced. Some mechanics “tighten” the support to the lever by spot welding in several places. With this method, there is a high probability of damaging the boot (it will burn out), and no one will give a guarantee against “crash”. “Analogues” with a locking ring will prevent possible falling out.
For Renault Logan, the levers are supplied together with two silent blocks. If they are damaged on your car, then it is easier and cheaper to buy the part assembled, since the difference in the cost of the ball and silent blocks separately will be insignificant. Especially when you consider that the silent blocks also need to be pressed out.
If you changed the ball joint by removing the entire lever or replaced it as an assembly, then you definitely need to do a wheel alignment of the suspension.

What else will be needed during renovation?

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Very often, when a hinge breaks, it is necessary to replace the lever. The ball joint on the Renault Logan fails when the lever breaks. If it fails, then purchase a new one and install it together with the ball. It is also advisable to use the following tips:

Before installing the new hinge, drive at least a little Litol-24 grease under the boot. This will significantly increase the service life of the element.
Before starting repairs, all suspension elements must be cleaned of dirt.

If you can’t make the repairs yourself, go to a car service center. Renault Logan is not very different in design from domestic cars Lada Largus or Granta. Therefore, repairs will not be complicated by searching for scarce parts.

What is a ball joint?

A ball joint is a chassis element that connects the hub and the front suspension arm. It is a component of the steering knuckle and ensures its mobility, and the knuckle, in turn, interacts with the steering.

Thus, the ball joint is involved in turning the wheel and without it, maneuvers are not possible.

Renault Logan lever. Ball number 2

Additionally, the unit ensures correct fixation of the hub and wheel in the horizontal plane during vertical movements.

How many ball joints are there for Renault Logan?

Renault Logan is equipped with a MacPherson-type front suspension. This means that in its design there is only one ball at the bottom - on each side of the front axle. The part is located on the lower arm, under the hub. It is clearly visible when the car is suspended or in a viewing hole.

Which ball joint should I install?

Since June 2013, the French manufacturer has been using a new type of ball joints, in which the pins are mounted on the side and do not have a circular groove. The article numbers for the old and new parts are different.

The previous sample has catalog number 401604793R (circular groove for the bolt), and the new one has 401602523R (groove on one side). It is not necessary that Renault Logan manufactured after 2013 have a new type of ball joints installed.

To find out this question, you need to knock the support out of your fist.

At the factory, as a rule, two brands of ball joints are installed - Lemforder and TRW. Parts for both brands are made in Germany, but some Lemforder factories are based in Romania.

Ball joints for Renault Logan cars of the 1st and 2nd generation, as a rule, are not much different, therefore they are interchangeable.

If you cannot find the original part, you can install an analogue - TRW JBJ721 (for first generation cars), as well as Lemforder 37809 01 or 29469 01.

Products of the Teknorot R-585 brand have proven themselves well.

The importance of the front suspension arm, as well as the Renault Logan ball joint, cannot be underestimated. The destruction of these elements while driving can cause unpredictable consequences and accidents.

That is why, when identifying symptoms of a breakdown, it is important to immediately diagnose the breakdown, perform an inspection, and, if necessary, replace the failed part.

Typical faults

Signs of a failed unit include:

A dull knock when driving over bumps.
Creaks emitted as the car moves in the cold season. They may appear due to a torn boot, through which moisture penetrates and the lubricant freezes.
Increased effort and the appearance of squeaking and knocking noises when turning the steering wheel.
Poor directional stability of the car even when driving in a straight line. Steering wheel course correction required.
Accelerated and uneven tire wear.

What threatens

If you do not monitor the condition of the ball joint, it may ultimately result in major repairs. The basis of the unit is the body and the so-called finger.

Excessive shock loads create strong friction between these two parts and the gap between them gradually increases (the finger “dangles” inside the housing).

At a critical moment, the finger is simply pulled out of the body and the wheel separates at the bottom of the hub. Further operation of a vehicle with such a malfunction is impossible - only with the help of a tow truck.

How can you check the ball joint on a Renault Logan (video)?

Modern diagnostic equipment for suspension in the form of stands is not always able to determine the condition of the supports. Therefore, you can resort to simple but effective methods. Their essence boils down to auditory and tactile diagnostics (by touch):

To test the balls by ear, you need an assistant. One person should rock the car, and the other should listen for possible knocks.
The assistant presses the brake pedal all the way, and at this moment the inspector must grab the top and bottom of the wheel, rocking it. If there is play, we can talk about the formation of a gap in the ball joint. The unit needs to be replaced with a new one.
The examiner places his palm against the body of the unit in such a way as to simultaneously grasp the body and finger. At this moment, the assistant begins to rock the wheel - if play is felt, then the support needs to be replaced. Standard wheel radius for Renault Logan 15!
Place the car on a lift or jack and inspect the ball joint from below. If the boot (protective rubber cover) of the assembly is damaged, the ball must be replaced. Also, do not forget to inspect the CV boot; if it is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If dirt has managed to get into the “grenade” mechanism, then the CV joint will also need to be replaced.

Replacing the ball joint

Wear or damage to this unit requires its replacement. There is no alternative to this. Therefore, you need to buy a new ball joint, take the car to a service center, or replace it yourself. In general, it is recommended to carry out the change in conjunction with the lower suspension arm.

Tools required for work

Key size 13.
Hammer.
Screwdriver with flat head.
Wrenches (open-end) in sizes 16 and 18.
Socket wrench size 30.

Replacement steps

Hang the car or lift the front part (from the desired side) with a jack, and then place the car on supports.
Remove the wheel.

Let's go. The wheel was removed. Let's look at the scope of work

We press out or knock out their ball joints

Further assembly occurs in reverse order.

Part numbers

Take into account! Renault Logan ball joints of the first and second generations are almost identical, and therefore interchangeable. The article number of the ball that Loganovody recommends is TRW for a first generation car - JBJ721.

401604793 is the original part number for the ball joint!

If the front suspension arm or ball joint is damaged, they must be replaced. The suspension arm itself and the ball joint are connected to each other. During repairs, you can replace both parts simultaneously or separately. Initially, the parts are connected to each other with rivets. When repairing, they should be replaced with bolts. Therefore, during repairs, you must immediately drill out the rivets. The support must be changed on the lever removed from the car.

Signs of problems (checking the condition of the ball joints)

The failure of these elements may be indicated by such signs as knocking in the area of the front wheel suspension.

Torn boot - ball needs to be replaced

The following signs indicate wear of a part:

The tires on the front wheels wear unevenly.
A knocking sound will be heard while driving.
When turning, you will hear a squeaking noise from the front of the car.

If at least one of the symptoms listed above is detected, then most likely the ball joint needs to be replaced. Before starting repairs, you must remove the suspension arm from the car. The work is carried out on an inspection pit or overpass.

The ball joint on a Ford Focus 2 broke.

Signs of a ball joint malfunction and reasons for its failure:

You need to be wary if, when driving on an uneven road, you hear extraneous sounds (whistles, grinding, squeaking) in the area of the front suspension of the car. This is the first signal of possible wear on the ball joint. When play occurs between the hole in the housing and the ball-shaped end of the support pin, the metal components hit the plastic, and the sound may be similar to a slurping sound.

A creaking sound is heard when the protective layer breaks and moisture enters the ball joint through cracks in the rubber. This has a detrimental effect on lubrication. The penetration of water and dirt is the main reason for the failure of the ball joint; its design itself is durable. When driving on smooth and clean roads in the absence of precipitation, the ball joint would fail from old age very soon.

Removing the lever

The front wheels are hanging out. If only one wheel is lifted, the vehicle's stabilizer bar will interfere with the work (about replacing the stabilizer bushing here). Levers located on the right and left are removed in the same way.
The wheels are removed.

Let's look at the scope of replacement work

Replacing the ball joint

Since the manufacturer does not separately make spare parts for the support and lever, it is recommended to disassemble them and replace them with similar parts that can be picked up from other cars. You can also replace the lever and support completely with new ones.

Drilling Guide

The rivets that hold the support on the lever are drilled.
After drilling, the rivets should be knocked out of the socket and the support removed.
A new support is installed on the lever and secured with bolts.
The unit is installed on the vehicle in the reverse order of removal.

New ball in the lever

To ensure that these parts last for a long period of time, it is recommended to drive carefully on uneven roads.

Choosing a ball joint for Renault Logan

401 604 793K - original article!

One of the most popular replacement options is TRW JBJ721.

TRW JBJ721 - cheap, cheerful, high quality

Teknorot R-585 - proven themselves well.

Teknorot R-585 - not a well-known name, but the quality is good

Why do you need a ball joint?

It is a part that connects the front wheel hub to the suspension, so during operation this unit can experience heavy loads.

Even a citizen unfamiliar with automotive technology knows that such vehicle suspension components experience serious loads during operation, as a result of which they are subject to intense wear. If we take into account the budget of the Renault Logan and the unsatisfactory condition of the road surface, then the factor of frequent breakdowns associated with the car’s chassis becomes clear.

But wear of a cone-shaped pin with a spherical tip threatens to deteriorate vehicle controllability, up to the likelihood of an emergency. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify the breakdown in time and replace the ball joint on a Renault Logan car using a video provided by the specialists.

Purpose and design of the ball joint

Before replacement work, it is important to clearly understand the purpose and design features of the balls. This device is an element of the vehicle's chassis that provides a connection between the main arm of the front suspension and the steering wheel hub.

In Renault Logan cars, this element cannot be disassembled (officially) and is supplied complete with a lever.

Structurally, the ball joint consists of several elements - a ball pin pressed into a metal body at the same time as a plastic bushing.

Prolonged operation of a machine with a damaged unit often leads to spontaneous rotation of the wheel in the opposite direction, which at a speed of more than 30 km/h can lead to irreparable consequences.

Briefly about the purpose and structure of the structure

The spherical bearing is a unit that actually serves to connect the swing arm and the wheel hub. Their mutual rotation is carried out precisely with its help. The SHO design consists of two elements:

A cone-shaped finger with a thread on one side and a sphere on the other.
Housings with a seat for a finger.

When you need to replace a faulty ball joint on a Renault Logan and a video of inspecting the car's chassis

The decision to replace a faulty part is made in three cases:

End of service life of the part. Drivers who travel a lot not only on the highway, but also over rough terrain, prefer to change the unit every 50,000 km . There are some cases where the product worked without breakdowns for 80-100 thousand km.
A damaged boot, through which moisture and dirt get onto the hinge.
The appearance of an extraneous sound when driving on a primer can also be a sign of wear of the part.

How to check the SHO yourself in a garage?

Is it necessary to replace the ball joint on a Renault Logan and a video on the repair process? This question is not clear to all motorists. A video on inspecting the chassis of a car, which presents techniques for inspecting suspension elements, will help you understand a lot. Based on this, you can create a short instruction for car enthusiasts who decide to independently check technical components for breakdowns:

Inspect the condition of the anthers; if cracks or tears are found, then this already serves as a basis for replacing, if not the support, then certainly the protective casing.
Set the car to the handbrake and ask an assistant to rock the wheel in a vertical plane. At this time, the owner must examine the working unit for play.
Inspect the condition of the rubber bushings and silent blocks in the places where the levers are fixed.
Inspect the stabilizer bushings in the place where it is attached to the suspension arms and subframe.

Motorists who have replaced steering ends on a Renault Logan are already familiar with this method of checking the condition of the chassis. Periodic inspection should be done whenever possible. For convenience, it is advisable to carry out the check on a special lift or in an inspection pit.

Inspection and diagnostics of the part

As we know, the condition of roads in the Russian Federation provides for the presence of potholes and holes by default. In such conditions, the real resource before the forced replacement of the Renault Logan ball joint will dry up after 75-80 thousand kilometers. It is worth noting that the worse the road surface, the more holes, bumps and potholes there are, the faster the suspension will become unusable, and with it the ball joint. As for driving on an ideal city road at acceptable speeds, the service life is automatically extended to 125-140 thousand kilometers.

Regardless of the condition of the roads and the quality of the road surface on which you drive, perform a scheduled inspection at least once every 75 thousand km. Don't forget about the tie rod ends. These elements are subject to wear and tear no less.

Visual and mechanical sensations will help you recognize the breakdown: swaying of the car while driving, a delayed reaction to the rotation of the steering wheel, etc. As soon as you complete the replacement, you need to make sure that all symptoms of problems with the suspension are eliminated. Service center technicians recommend performing a comprehensive check of the entire front suspension. Use a jack, trestle or inspection hole to provide the best access.

Let's take a closer look at the inspection process. Make sure that the car is in a stable and raised state, and if necessary, chocks are placed under the rear wheels. If possible, do this procedure as often as possible:

Inspect the part externally for mechanical damage. Support elements made of rubber should have minimal abrasions. The tips and steering rack should also be in good condition.
Inspect other suspension elements for chips, mechanical damage, cracks, etc.
Inspect the levers and adjacent elements for deformation. If the element appears bent outwardly, then this is a clear sign that the unit needs to be replaced.
All rubber parts of the front suspension axle must be intact. Tears in the rubber, a bulging gasket, or any other visible damage are all signs that replacement is needed as soon as possible.

With this, the answer to the question of how to check the ball joint on a Renault Logan visually is considered closed. If you cannot determine the presence of damage, but still have doubts about the functionality of the support, you should take the car to a professional workshop. Next, we’ll look at how to determine the breakdown yourself.

How to replace a ball joint on a Renault Logan car and video of technological operations

Like any repair procedure, changing the SHO requires a set of tools. No special devices are needed here, and the necessary keys can always be found in any driver’s kit.

Required Tools

Jack.
Slotted screwdriver.
Balloon wrench.
Wrench "13".
Two keys “for 16”.
Two keys “for 18”.
30mm socket wrench.
A piece of metal pipe with a slightly smaller internal diameter than the base of the support.

Algorithm of actions

Proper replacement of a ball joint on a Renault Logan in the video requires ensuring safety conditions. To do this, the car is secured using a hand brake and thrust shoes. Subsequent steps are performed in the following order:

Loosen the wheel bolts with a wheel wrench and raise the desired side of the car using a jack.
Install rigid supports on both sides of the car.
Completely unscrew the wheel bolts and remove the wheel.
Loosen the bolt securing the lateral stability bar.
Unscrew the ball joint and pull it out of the steering knuckle by opening the slot with a slotted screwdriver.
Unscrew the nut of the bolted connection between the front silent block and the lever connected to the subframe.
In the same way, remove the bolt from the connection between the rear silent block and the lever; Next, remove the lever from the front suspension.

A few recommendations

A certain part of the available videos on replacing a faulty ball joint on a Renault Logan car contains a number of useful recommendations for car enthusiasts:

Practice shows that often, along with changing the hinge, the lever also has to be changed. Therefore, there is a reason to immediately combine these operations - this way you can save a lot of time.
To increase the service life of the support, it must be treated with grease (litol or grease).
Before carrying out work, all elements of the chassis should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and corrosion.

Replacement instructions:

Loosen the bolts of both front wheels.
Raise the front of the car with a jack and place it on two metal supports.
Remove the wheel from the support replacement side.
Release the lever from the stabilizer bar mounting.
Remove the metal pan that protects the motor from dirt.

Remove or carefully knock out with a hammer the bolt that tightens the connection between the terminals of the ball pin and the steering knuckle, unscrewing the nut with the head to “16”. Another similar key will be needed to hold the bolt when unscrewing.

Insert a flat, powerful screwdriver or spudger into the gap between the terminals and loosen the connection.

Using the same screwdriver, press the lever and press it down. Release the support pin from the hole in the steering knuckle.

Using two 18mm wrenches, release the lever from its front and rear attachment to the subframe. Remove the bolt or carefully knock it out. A 13mm wrench will be needed to loosen the bolt connecting the subframe bracket to the body.

Remove the suspension arm.

Next, you need to do the following: disconnect the support from the lever.

In turn, on one side and the other, pry its body with a flat, powerful screwdriver under the collar and, leaning on the lever.

Press the support out of the hole in it.

Inspect the eyelet - there should be no breaks or chips around it. The surface on which the new part will be installed must be cleaned of dirt and leveled before pressing (if the metal is corroded). Otherwise, when pressing in, a rigid coupling will not occur.

Place a piece of pipe with a diameter larger than that of the ball under the lever, and insert it into the eye.

Press the support into the lever eye, carefully using a hammer. Hit the mandrel, which rests on the edges of the body.

Next, you need to assemble it: put the lever in place, secure the wheels. Before installing a new support, it is advisable to apply lubricant (Litol or its analogues).

Any nuances worth paying special attention to?

1. When lifting the front of the car with a jack, you need to hang two wheels at once. If you hang only one of them, the front parts will be clamped at the top by the anti-roll bar. In this case, it will be impossible to dismantle the lever.

2. Terminal connections must be handled with care! Replace ball joints very carefully. Renault Logan will not tolerate rude actions to which owners of domestic cars are accustomed. They can lead to serious damage to machine parts.

The terminal connection bolt must be pulled out carefully or carefully knocked out with a soft metal drift.

When releasing the terminal connection, be sure to use a strong flathead screwdriver.

Install the new ball joint carefully so as not to damage the protective rubber cover.

The ball joint is a very important component of the front suspension and the car as a whole. Damage to it can lead to a terrible accident with tragic consequences.

Some car owners prefer to repair this important part instead of replacing it. This is a complex procedure using special equipment. The ball must be completely disassembled.

Sometimes a repaired part lasts even longer than a new one. You should not carry out repairs yourself; it is better to entrust it to a competent worker from an auto repair center (restorer). Although, you shouldn’t do this either. No one can give one hundred percent guarantees of further proper operation. For safety reasons, if you suspect a ball joint is broken, it is advisable to replace it.

Eventually

The procedure for changing a spherical joint is not as simple as replacing coolant on a Renault Logan , but it is quite doable by an ordinary motorist. And yet, each of them dreams of extending the service life of this suspension part. To do this, you need to periodically inspect the condition of the protective boot.

When inspecting, pay special attention to abrasions, cracks and any other mechanical damage to the rubber element. If any of the above is found, then you should not only immediately change the boot, but also check the play in the assembly by moving it vertically. If it is present, you should consider installing a new hinge.