Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

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

ABNORMAL OR EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR
Inspect:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ For excessive toe.
^ Springs for sags or breaks.
^ Tire balance.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse.
^ Vehicle for uneven or excessive loading.
^ Tires for proper inflation.

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

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

SHIMMY, SHAKE OR VIBRATION
Inspect:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ 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.
^ Wheel trim.
^ Lower ball studs 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 and ball studs for proper and secure installation.
^ Steering gear adjustment.

ABNORMAL NOISE, FRONT END
Inspect:
^ Ball studs and tie rod ends for lack of lubrication.
^ 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.
^ Steering gear adjustment.
^ Strut, shock absorbers or mountings for wear or damage.
^ Springs for proper positioning.
^ Wheel bearings for excessive wear.

WANDER OR POOR STEERING STABILITY
Inspect:
^ Tires for mismatch or uneven wear.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks or sags.
^ Steering gear adjustment.
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Lack of lubrication in ball joints or tie rod ends.

ERRATIC STEERING WHEN BRAKING
Inspect:
^ Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks or sags.
^ Wheel cylinder or caliper for leaks.
^ Rotors for warpage.
^ Caster adjustment.
^ Tires for adequate inflation.

LOW OR UNEVEN TRIM HEIGHT
Inspect:
^ Springs for breaks or sags.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.
^ Springs for correct part number installation, wear, and damage.

RIDE TOO SOFT
Inspect:
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks, sags, or incorrect installation.

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

BODY LEANS OR SWAYS IN CORNERS
Inspect:
^ Strut, shock absorbers, and mounting for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks or sags.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.

SUSPENSION BOTTOMS
Inspect:
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks, sags, or incorrect installation.

"DOG" TRACKING
Inspect:
^ Rear suspension arm and bushings for wear or damage.
^ Rear axle for 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.
^ Steering gear adjustment.