General Diagnosis

VEHICLE PULLS (LEADS)
Inspect:
^ For mismatched or uneven tires.
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.
^ Radial tire lateral force.
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Front brakes for dragging.

ABNORMAL OR EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR
Inspect:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ For excessive toe and or camber.
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.
^ Tire balance.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse.
^ Vehicle for uneven or excessive loading.
^ Tires pressure.

SCUFFED TIRES
Inspect:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse.
^ Suspension for damage or deformation.

WHEEL TRAMP
Inspect:
^ Tire or wheel for proper balance.
^ Strut or shock absorber for wear and proper action.

SHIMMY, SHAKE, OR VIBRATION
Inspect:
^ Tire treads for blisters or separation.
^ Tire or wheel for proper balance.
^ Wheel stud for excessive runout.
^ Brake drum or rotor for damage or deformation.
^ Tie rod ends for wear.
^ Lower ball joints for wear or damage.
^ Wheel for excessive runout.
^ Tire and wheel assembly for excessive loaded radial runout.

EXCESSIVE PLAY OR LOOSENESS IN STEERING SYSTEM
Inspect:
^ Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
^ Steering gear mounting for proper and secure installation.
^ Joints from column to steering gear for proper and secure installation.
^ Tie rod ends for proper and secure installation.
^ Intermediate shaft for wear and looseness.

ABNORMAL NOISE, FRONT END
Inspect:
^ Suspension components for wear or damage.
^ Control arm bushings or tie rod ends for wear or damage.
^ Wheel nuts for proper and secure installation.
^ Suspension bolts for proper and secure installation.
^ Wheel covers.
^ Steering gear adjustment.
^ Strut, shock absorbers, and mountings for wear or damage.
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.
^ Wheel bearings for excessive wear.

WANDER OR POOR STEERING STABILITY
Inspect:
^ Tires for mismatch or uneven wear.
^ Strut and shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Ball joints or tie rod ends for wear or damage.

ERRATIC STEERING WHEN BRAKING
Inspect:
^ Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.
^ Wheel cylinder or caliper for leaks.
^ Rotors for warpage.
^ Caster.
^ Tires pressure.

LOW OR UNEVEN
Inspect
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.
^ Springs for correct part number.

RIDE TOO SOFT
Inspect:
^ Strut and shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.

RIDE TOO HARSH
Inspect:
^ Strut or shock absorbers for incorrect part number installation.
^ Tire pressure.

BODY LEANS OR SWAYS IN CORNERS
Inspect
^ Strut, shock absorbers, and mounting for wear or damage.
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.
^ Tire pressure.

SUSPENSION BOTTOMS
Inspect:
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ For broken, sagging, or mispositioned springs.

"DOG" TRACKING
Inspect:
^ Rear suspension and bushings for wear or damage.
^ Frame and underbody alignment for damage.

CUPPED TIRES
Inspect:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
^ Tire and wheel for excessive runout.
^ Ball studs for wear or damage.