Suspension General Diagnosis

The problems in steering, suspension, and in Wheels, Tires and Alignment involve several systems. Therefore, all must be considered when diagnosing a complaint. Always road test the vehicle first to avoid using the wrong symptom. Allow for road surface imperfections and allow for road crown when road testing a vehicle. The test route chosen must resemble the average surface the customer utilizes in order to duplicate the complaint.
Proceed with the following preliminary checks. Correct any substandard conditions found.
- Inspect for the following:
- Inspect for improper tire pressure.
- Inspect for uneven wear on tires.
- Inspect the power steering fluid level.
- Inspect for wear on joints from the steering column to the steering gear.
- Inspect for loose or damaged parts on the front suspension.
- Inspect for loose or damaged parts on the rear suspension.
- Inspect for loose or damaged parts on the steering gear.
- Inspect for loose or damaged parts on the steering linkage.
- Inspect for components that are out-of-round.
- Inspect for tire imbalance.
- Inspect for wheel damage.