Note. Suspension and steering parts should be checked periodically. Malfunctions of these systems can lead to increased and uneven tire wear. deterioration of controllability, to a decrease in the efficiency of the car and even to an accident. Detailed steering and suspension illustrations see chapter 10.
Checking shock absorbers
1. Park the vehicle on level ground, stop the engine and apply the parking brake. Check tire pressure,
2. Press one corner of the car and release it. Watch the vehicle oscillate The vehicle should return to its original position after one or two oscillations.
3. If the vehicle continues to oscillate or if it does not return to its original position, a failed shock absorber may be the cause.
4. Perform the same test on other corners of the vehicle.
5. Raise the vehicle and place it on jack stands.
6. Inspect the shock absorbers but there are signs of fluid leakage (fig 26.6). Make sure that the shock absorber is the source of the leak, if any, and not some other part. If a shock absorber leak is found, replace it as an assembly.
7. Inspect shock absorbers for damage. Check shock absorber mountings. If the shock absorber is damaged, replace it.
8. The shock absorber replacement procedure is described in chapter 10.
9. Inspect Steering and Suspension Parts (front and back) for damage and deformation. Pay attention to seals, covers and bushings, traces of leakage of various kinds of liquids. Pay special attention to the condition of the bushings of the lower control arms of the suspension struts and the anti-roll bar (pic. 26.9, a-c).
10. Clear the lower part of a rotary fist and a spherical support. Have an assistant rock the wheel in and out by grasping the underside of the tire while you watch the steering knuckle ball joint on the lower suspension arm. If there is play in the ball joint, then the support should be replaced.
11. Set the steering wheel to the straight ahead position. Grasp the tire of the front wheel as shown in Figure 26.11 and try to turn the wheel to the right - to the left. If play is felt at the same time, then the cause of it may be wear on the swing arm joints or tie rod ends, as well as loosening of the steering mechanism mounts.
12. Additional information and illustrations for suspension and steering can be found in chapter 10.
Checking the covers of the drive shafts
13. Driveshaft covers are very important because they protect the constant velocity joints (SHRUS) from water and dirt. Exposure to oil can degrade the material of the covers and cause them to age prematurely, so it is a good idea to wash the covers with soap and water. External CV joints operate under more severe conditions and wear faster than internal CV joints, so special attention should be paid to external joints.
14. Inspect the covers for cracks and breaks, and check the tightness of the clamps (pic. 26.14). If the covers are damaged or fluid leaks from under them, the covers must be replaced as indicated in chapter 8.