Check suspension

C H E C K

S U S P E N S I O N

HOW TO CHECK CAR STEERING AND SUSPENSION (BASIC)
If you suspect that you have a problem with your cars steering or suspension,or you just want a periodic check, here is a basic examination you can make.

BASIC SUSPENSION CHECK

Push down on top of the wing each side (individually) just once and let go, The vehicle should go down and come back up once and stay put. If the vehicle bounces up and down and appears soft this indicates a faulty shock absorber strut.

Further Examination

With the car jacked up at the front, place on axle stands for safety , put steering wheel in the unlocked position. Move the road wheel from side to side as if you were turning the wheels to steer. Feel for any excessive free play or movement in the steering joints ie top/bottom swivel joints, track rod ends ,steering rack and suspension bushes. Then hold the road wheel at the top and bottom grabbing hold of the tyre pushin in and out and feel for any free movement there. Any excess free play should be picked up and the offending part noticed and replaced.
Examine rubber gaiters or (boots) as they are sometimes called on the steering rack and rubber insulator bushes on the anti-roll bar.
Examine front suspension struts for leakage and split dust covers,this can be observed by looking inside the coil spring, any signs of oil around this area indicates a worn shock absorber strut and must be replaced.
Check also for broken coil springs.

More information...