Drag Link Ball Joint Inspection For Corrosion; Straight Body Type Ball Joint; Visual Inspection - PREVOST H3-41 Maintenance Manual

expelled from the opening. Make sure the
bellows is in good condition, without any
holes, tears, scratches of chafing marks.
Replace the joint if inspection result is not
OK.
Tension rings and clamping rings must be
well seated in their groove.
It must always be possible to turn the
bellows on the housing by hand (do not use
any tools). Hold the bellows in the area of the
clamping ring and turn with a lot of manual
force. Replace the tie rod if the result is not
OK.
14.9 DRAG LINK
INSPECTION FOR CORROSION
Inspection of ball joints is important. Damaged
sealing boots, salt and climatic conditions can
cause loss of the corrosion protection coating
applied at time of manufacturing.
MAINTENANCE
Inspect drag link joints for corrosion once a
year.
1. Carefully clean the sealing boot or dirt seal
contact area to ensure that no contaminants
can get under the sealing boot or dirt seal
during the inspection procedure. Do not use
cleaning agents or solvents, only use dry
cloth or cotton wool.
2. Use an appropriate inspection tool (e.g.
spatula with cut out) to push up (sealing
boot) or down (dirt seal) the seal (without
damaging it) until ball pin surface is visible.
Degrease the ball pin surface and inspect
carefully.
3. If there is corrosion of the ball pin or the
sealing boot has deteriorated through ageing
or is damaged, replace the ball joint.
4. If there is corrosion of the steering arm or tie
rod arm area which is in contact with the
sealing boot or dirt seal, clean and eliminate
all surface irregularities.
5. If there is no corrosion or damage to the
sealing boot or dirt seal, smear the steering
arm with Lithium grease and push seal back
into its properly seated position.
BALL JOINT
PA1621 Maintenance Manual All Series | Section revised June 2019
SECTION 14: STEERING
When dismantling the drag link, ensure that no
damage is caused to the sealing boots, dirt seals
or ball joint housings.

14.10 STRAIGHT BODY TYPE BALL JOINT

This type includes ball joints where the threaded
shank is slightly bent like those that are found on
the tie rod and draglink.
FIGURE 39: STRAIGHT BODY TYPE BALL JOINT

14.10.1 Visual Inspection

• Visually inspect for missing or damaged
grease fittings and replace if required.
Damaged sealing boot or improper sealing
•
requires seal replacement or complete
replacement.
Check ball joint connection for missing cotter
•
pins.
Check for looseness in the ball/socket
•
assembly.
FIGURE 40: ADEQUATE CLAMPING CONDITION
For adequate clamping, the ball joint threads
must be visible the entire length of the tube slot.
If not, the tube must be adjusted or replaced. It is
either the wrong size, or improper adjustment
27