Checklist for Evaluating the Suspension on Vehicles That Were in Accidents

Checklist for Evaluating the Suspension on Vehicles That Were in Accidents

When servicing supporting or wheel carrying components on vehicles involved in accident, damage on the suspension may remain undetected. These undiscovered damages may lead to heavy damages in continued vehicle operation. Therefore, on accident vehicles, the listed components must be checked in the described manner and sequence, independent of performing a vehicle alignment. If no deviations from specified values were determined during vehicle alignment, no deformations of the suspension are present.

Visual and function check of steering system

• Visual check for deformations and cracks

• Check for play in tie rod joints and steering gear

• Visual inspection for faulty boots and grease boots

• Check electric and hydraulic lines and hoses for chafe marks, cuts and kinks.

• Check hydraulic lines, bolted connections and steering gear for leaks

• Check steering gear and lines for proper seating

• Check proper function through entire steering angle by turning steering wheel from stop to stop. Steering wheel must be rotary without hitching at equal force

Visual and function check of suspension

• Observe the sequence of the following test steps!

• Check all components shown in assembly overviews for deformation, cracks and other damages

• Replace damaged components

• Perform vehicle alignment on wheel alignment stand approved by VOLKSWAGEN AG

Visual and function check for wheels, tires

• Check for run-out and imbalance.

• Check tires for cuts and impact damage in tread and on sides.

• Check tire inflation pressure; inflation pressure see inflation pressure plate in tank flap.

For damage on disc wheel and/or tire, tire must be replaced. This also applies when the course of the accident and damage on the vehicle points to possible non-visible damages.

Another criteria is the age of the tires: the tires must not be older than 6 years.

In case of doubt, always proceed as follows:

• As soon as a safety risk cannot be ruled out, the tire(s) must be replaced.

Entire vehicle

Also check other vehicle systems as, for example:

• Brake system including ABS

• Exhaust system and passenger protection by visual and function check

Test values, adjustment values and notes can be found in respective repair informations/ELSA.

Checking of accident vehicles described here, refers to suspension and does not lay claim to completeness for entire vehicle.

Electronic vehicle systems

Safety related systems, such as: ABS/EDL; Airbag; Electronically regulated vehicle systems; Electromechanical; Electrohydraulic steering and other driver assistance systems must be queried for fault codes that could possibly be stored, using the vehicle diagnostic, test and measuring system (VAS 5051). Stored DTCs of systems mentioned must be serviced according to specifications in repair information/ELSA. When service work is done, check affected systems again for DTC memory to ensure function is established again.