Table of contents: Front suspension and steering ↓ Suspension struts/shock absorbers ↓ Half shafts ↓
Every 12 months.
Front suspension and steering
1. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jack stands.
2. Inspect the dust boots and covers for cracks or signs of wear.
3. On models with a power steering system, inspect the system hoses, pipes, and connections for leaks.
4. Grasp the wheel from above and below and try to shake it. If the free play is too great, have an assistant press the brake pedal and shake the wheel again. If the free play has decreased or disappeared, then the hub bearings need to be replaced. If the free play remains, then the suspension joints or mounts are worn out.
5. Grasp the sides of the wheel and try to shake it. Too much free play may be caused by worn hub bearings or ball joints of the steering rods.
6. Check the condition of the suspension element mounting bushings.
7. Lower the vehicle to the ground and turn the steering wheel 1/8 of a turn in either direction. If the steering wheel play is too great, check the steering joints and connections.
Suspension struts/shock absorbers
1. Inspect the shock absorbers for signs of fluid leakage. If there is a leak, the shock absorber must be replaced.
2. Check the effectiveness of the shock absorbers by rocking the car up and down.
Half shafts
1. Raise the front of the car and place it on supports. Turn the steering wheel to the side until it stops and slowly rotate the wheel. Check the condition of the CV joint boots by pushing apart the folds. Also check the condition and tightening of the clamps.
2. Check the condition of the joints themselves. To do this, hold the axle shaft and try to rotate the wheel. Then, hold the inner joint and try to rotate the axle shaft. Excessive free play indicates wear in the joints, wear of the axle shaft splines, or looseness of the axle shaft mounting nut.