Checking the suspension components and the steering gear

1. Park the car on an equal horizontal platform, whenever possible with a firm covering. Stop the engine and cock a lay brake. Check the inflation pressure of tires.
2. To assess the state of the shock absorbers in turn push down one of the corners of the car. When you release the body of the angle should be returned to its original position, making no more than one or two oscillations. Listen to the creaking and other extraneous noises, published in the suspension oscillating movements of the body. See chap. Suspension and steering.
3. Excessive amounts of swinging body when releasing angle, as well as the refusal to return to its original position, indicate the need to replace the shock absorbers.
4. Operating in a similar manner, serially check each of the four shock absorbers.
5. Poddomkratte car and establish it on props.

6. Inspect the strut for signs of leakage of hydraulic fluid. Slight moistening stock should not cause much concern. If any noticeable sag should try to determine the source of the leak - if it is a shock, it must be replaced complete with the opposite.

7. Make sure of reliability of fastening of shock absorbers and in the absence of any indication of mechanical damage. Defective shock absorbers must be replaced in pairs (front or rear).
8. The description of procedures of removal and installation of shock absorbers provided in Chapter Suspension and steering.

1. Visually estimate a condition of components of a steering drive and suspension (front and rear). Pay attention to the defects such as cracks, dents, damage to rubber components for signs of hydraulic fluid leaks, etc. Particular attention should be paid to the state of rubber bushings through which the lower suspension arms are attached to the vehicle chassis.

2. Clean the lower part of the steering knuckle, ask the assistant to grab the wheel at points 12 and 6 hours, and pull it in the perpendicular direction, - evaluate themselves at the same stocking density ball joint mounting the lower arm in a fist. Availability backlash indicates the need to replace the support.

3. Grasp the tire at the points at 3 and 9 hours and tug its edges in opposite directions. Have any noticeable backlash indicate deterioration of the components of a steering drive - check the condition of the idler arm and tips of steering drafts.

4. For more information and illustrations of the components of the suspension and steering gear are shown in Chapter Suspension and steering.

1. From the condition of protective covers of power shafts depends wear rate of CV joints. Contact with the surface of the covers of oil and grease leads to aging of rubber and premature component failure, so it is wise to occasionally wash the covers with a solution of soapy water.

2. Check the covers for cracks and signs of leaks lubricant - do not forget to push the corrugations to explore their inner sides. Defective covers must be replaced (see chap. Coupling and power shafts).