Checking the front suspension and steering (Audi A8 D2)

Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on stands.

Visually inspect the ball joint mud boots and rack and pinion steering gear boots for cracks, abrasions and aging. Any damage to the boots will result in loss of lubricant, water and dirt ingress, and, as a result, rapid wear of the ball joints or steering gear.

Check the power steering hoses for wear or deterioration, and the pipes and hose connections for leaks. Check the steering rubber boots for signs of pressure leakage, which indicates a damaged seal in the steering.

Raise the car with a jack, hold the wheel with your hands at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions and try to rock it in the vertical plane. Minor play in the wheel is acceptable. If the play is large, further testing is required to determine the cause of the malfunction. Continue rocking the wheel, while the assistant should press the brake pedal. If the play is eliminated or significantly reduced, then the hub bearings are probably damaged. If the play is still large, then the suspension joints and fasteners are worn out.

Now take the wheel with your hands at the "9 and 3 o'clock" position and try to rock it horizontally. Play in the horizontal plane can be caused by wear of the hub bearing or the ball joints of the steering rod. If the outer or inner ball joint is worn, the play will be immediately noticeable.