Steering and Suspension: Testing and Inspection

Check list for evaluating the suspension of accident vehicles
When repairing load-bearing or wheel-supporting components on accident vehicles, damages to the chassis could remain undiscovered. These undiscovered damages can sometimes lead to heavy damages, in continued vehicle operation. Therefore, on accident vehicles, the listed components are to be inspected in the described manner and sequence, independent of performing a vehicle alignment. If no deviations from the specified values were determined during a vehicle alignment, then no deformations of the chassis are present.

Visual and function testing of the steering system
^ Visually inspect for deformations and splits
^ Check for play in tie rod joints and steering gear
^ Visually inspect for defects in dust and grease boots
^ Inspect electrical and hydraulic lines/hoses for abrasions, cuts and kinked areas
^ Verify that hydraulic lines, connections and steering gear are not leaking
^ Check steering gear and lines for proper and secure seating
^ Check the problem-free movement of steering wheel from lock to lock, by turning the steering wheel completely in each direction. Thereby, the rotation of the steering wheel must require steady force without catching

Visual and function testing of the suspension
^ The sequence of the following test procedures must be maintained!
^ Check all components displayed in the assembly overview for deformation, splits and other damages
^ Replace damaged components
^ Align vehicle on a VOLKSWAGEN AG approved alignment stand

Visual and function testing of wheels and tires
^ Check for radial run-out and imbalance.
^ Check tires for cuts and impact damages in tread and on sides
^ Check tire pressures; For tire pressure specification, see inside of fuel filler door or

Replace tire if there is damage to the wheel and /or tire. This also applies when the area of impact and damage of the vehicle suggest that unverifiable damage may be possible.

Another determining factor is the age of the tire: Tires should not be older than 6 years.

If not able to be determined:
^ As soon as a safety risk can be verified, the tire(s) must be replaced

Entire vehicle
Check other vehicle systems, for example:
^ Brake system including ABS
^ Exhaust system and occupant protection through visual inspection and function testing

The examination of accident vehicles described here, refers to the chassis and lays no claim on the completeness of the total vehicle.

Electronic vehicle systems
Safety-related systems, for example: ABS/EDS; Airbag; Electronically regulated vehicle systems; Electromechanical; Electrohydraulic steering and other driver assist systems must be queried for Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) codes that could possibly be stored, using the vehicle diagnostic, test and measuring system VAS 5051. If a malfunction was stored in the DTC memory of one of these systems, perform the appropriate procedures to repair it. After performing repairs, check the DTC memory of the affected system again, to make sure that proper function can be ensured again.