Front suspension and steering
2. Apply the handbrake. Jack up the front of the car, secure it on axle stands.
3. Visually inspect the lower ball joint dust caps and steering rack, mechanism guards. If the ball joint dust caps are damaged, they can be replaced separately as described in Chapter 7.
4. Grab the wheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and try to rock it. Very little play is allowed, but if movement is noticeable, the cause must be determined. Continue rocking the wheel by depressing the brake pedal. If there is no movement or has decreased, the hub bearings are probably damaged. If there is still play when the brake pedal is depressed, there is wear in the suspension joints or installations. Finally, pay attention to the lower ball joint and lever mounting bushings. Replace worn out components as described in the relevant Chapters of this Section.
5. Now grasp the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions and try to rock it. Movement can be caused by wear in the hub bearings or the inner or outer steering tie rod ball joints. If there is no movement with the brake pedal depressed, damage to the tie rod joints is likely. Removal and installation of tie rod assemblies are described in Chapter 20.
6. Using a large screwdriver or flat-bladed stylus, check for wear on the anti-roll bar and arm settings by applying gentle pressure to these components. Little movement is allowed as the units are made of rubber. Replace worn bushings.
7. By turning the steering wheel back and forth one-eighth of a turn in each direction, there should be no play in the transmission of motion between the steering wheel and the wheels. If this is not the case, closely inspect the connections and settings described earlier, but also check the steering column connections and rack and pinion. Any wear must be visually visible and repaired as described in the relevant Chapters of this Section.
8. On models equipped with power steering, check the hydraulic oil level in the reservoir. Carry out the control under the following conditions: the car is unladen, with the engine running, the steering is in the position for driving straight ahead. If necessary, add hydraulic oil up to the MAX mark (photo). Check the condition of the power steering pump drive belt, replace it or adjust the tension if necessary.
Rear suspension
9. Block the front wheels, jack up the rear of the car, secure it on axle stands.
10. Visually examine a condition of components of a back suspension bracket, accessions and drafts.
11. Grasp the wheel at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock, try to shake it. Excessive movement indicates play in the hub bearing, which must be checked as described in Chapter 12.
Wheels and tires
12. Carefully inspect each tire, including the spare, for uneven wear, excessive bulges, or damage to the tread surface or bead walls. Refer to Chapter 30 for further details.
13. Check up a condition of internal lateral surfaces of a rim of a wheel. Check wheel bolt torque, check tire pressure.
Shock absorbers
14. Check for leaks around the shock body or from the rubber boot around the piston rod. If a liquid leak is noticed, the shock absorber is faulty and needs to be replaced.
15. The effectiveness of the shock absorber can be checked by rocking the car in every corner. Generally speaking, the body should return to its normal position and stop immediately after being released. If it rises and falls again, the shock absorber may be faulty. Also check the upper and lower shock absorber mounts. Replacement procedures are contained in Chapters 4 And 10.
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