Warning: Steering and suspension components should be checked regularly. Worn or damaged suspension and steering components can cause excessive and dangerous tire wear, poor ride and handling, and increased fuel consumption.
Strut / shock absorber check
1. Park your vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine, and apply the parking brake. Check tire pressure.
2. Press one of the corners of the car, then release it, paying attention to the movement of the body. It should stop swinging and return to its original position after one or two swings.
3. If the vehicle continues to rock or does not return to its original position, a worn or loose suspension strut or shock absorber may be the cause.
4. Repeat the above procedure for each of the three remaining corners of the vehicle.
5. Jack up the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands.
6. Inspect the struts/shock absorbers for signs of hydraulic fluid leakage. A light film of liquid is not a cause for concern. If a leak is found, make sure the fluid is coming from the strut/shock absorber and not from somewhere else. If it is still a strut/shock leak, replace struts or shocks as a pair on the same axle (or all four).
7. Check the installation and integrity of the struts/shock absorbers. Check the upper strut mounts for damage and signs of wear. If any are found, replace the struts or shock absorbers.
8. If it is necessary to replace struts or shock absorbers, refer to Chapter 10 for instructions. Always replace both components on the same axle, otherwise vehicle safety may be endangered. If possible, try to replace all four components in the kit.
Checking the condition of the steering and suspension system
9. Inspect steering system components for damage or deformation. Look for signs of fluid leakage, damaged gaskets, boot guards, and fittings.
10. Clean the lower end of the steering knuckle. Ask an assistant to grab the lower edge of the wheel and shake it, while you yourself observe the movement of the ball bearings connecting the steering knuckle to the lever. Inspect the protective covers of the ball joints for breaks. If you find play or torn or leaking protective covers, ball joint (supports) should be replaced.
11. Grab each of the front wheels by the front and rear edges and try to turn it front in and rear out to check for play in the steering gear. If play is found, check for loose steering gear and tie rod joints. If fasteners are loose, tighten them. If the tie rods are loose, worn joints may be the cause (check the tightness of the nuts first).
Steering play check
12. Set the steering wheel to the middle position.
13. Move the steering wheel from side to side while watching the front wheels. The steering wheel can have a maximum play of 25mm.
14. If there is more play in the steering wheel, check the steering rods, the steering mechanism and the play in the front suspension bearings.
15. Move the tie rods strongly with your hand. The ball joints must not have play, otherwise replace the joints or tie rods.
Checking tie rod ends and ball joints
Safety note
16. Shine a lamp on the lower ball joint boots on the left and right and check for damage.
17. Illuminate the tie rod boot with a lamp (arrow on accompanying illustration) left and right and check for damage.
18. If the boots are damaged, for safety reasons, the corresponding joint with boot must be replaced. Pollution destroys the hinge.
19. Strongly move the steering rods with your hand in different directions. The hinge must not have any play. Otherwise, the tie rod end needs to be replaced.
20. Check the tightness of the lock nut -1- of the tie rod ends and the pivot nut without turning it. The tightening torque must be 50 Nm.
21. Check the protective covers at the steering mechanism, if necessary, replace with new ones.
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