Suspension spring type
There are noises in the suspension
Defective shock absorber and / or its supporting nodes. Check the condition of the rubber bushings of the shock absorbers (see accompanying illustration). Replace defective components.
Rear wheel bearings damaged or out of adjustment. Correct preload or replace defective bearings.
The nuts or bushings of the rear spring earring are worn out, or the tightening force of the fasteners has weakened. Replace defective components, tighten fasteners.
Anchor pin or bushing worn or loose. Replace defective components, tighten fasteners.
Broken one or more leaf springs. Replace defective sheets or the entire spring.
The bridge crankcase is deformed. Replace crankcase.
The spring clamp is broken or its fastening is loose. Tighten the fasteners, or replace the defective clamp.
The spring ladder is broken, or its fastening is weakened. Tighten fasteners or replace defective ladders.
Note. To assess the degree of wear of the bushings of the earring and the anchor pin of the spring, put the lever between the spring loop and the chassis and move the spring up and down with it. In this case, the weight of the car should fall on the suspension.
Visually inspect the spring sheets for cracks or other damage.
Due to the high power of the suspension springs, it is not advisable to check the condition of the suspension shock absorbers on the car. Shock absorbers should be removed and checked in accordance with the description given later in this Section.
The position of the rear wheels of the car in relation to the front wheels is violated
The bolts of the stepladders of the front or rear springs of the car have loosened. Check center bolt, retighten stepladder U-bolts (see accompanying illustration).
The central bolt of the front or rear spring is broken. Replace bolt.
The main leaf of the front or rear spring is broken behind the base plate. Replace main leaf or spring assembly.
Broken anchor pin or front spring shackle. Replace defective components.
There is a strong sagging of the spring from one of the sides of the car. Replace springs on both sides.
The bridge crankcase is deformed. Replace crankcase.
Note. To check the correct location of the front axle, measure the distance from the reference (reference) points on the axle housing to the support (reference) points on the chassis. Repeat measurement between equivalent reference (reference) points from the other side of the vehicle. The measurement results must match.
Violated directional stability of the car
Tires are too loose or unevenly inflated. Adjust tire inflation pressure.
Suspension damper malfunction. Check, replace defective unit (preferably paired with a second shock absorber of this suspension).
The bushings or nuts of the spring earrings are worn out, or the tightening force of the latter has weakened (see accompanying illustration). Tighten fasteners or replace defective components.
Worn or broken front or rear springs. Replace the defective spring paired with the opposite of the same suspension (front or back).
Note. Due to the high power of the suspension springs, it is not advisable to check the condition of the suspension shock absorbers on the car. Shock absorbers should be removed and checked in accordance with the description given later in this Section.
If the rear of the car is tilted to one side or the other, remove the corresponding spring and compare it with a new one. If the spring is found unsuitable for further use, it would be reasonable to replace it in tandem with the opposite. The same applies to the front of the car.
Coil spring suspension
There are noises in the suspension
Defective shock absorber and / or its support. Check, inspect the rubber pads of the shock absorber mounts for signs of aging (see accompanying illustration). Replace defective components.
Rear wheel bearings damaged or out of adjustment. Correct preload or replace defective bearings.
Loose suspension bolts or nuts. Loosen the corresponding fastener completely, then tighten it to the required torque using a torque wrench.
Push rod bushings or bolts worn. Remove components to check their condition. Replace if necessary.
The stabilizer bar bearings or ball bearings are worn or loose.
Coil spring broken. Replace the spring paired with the second one.
Faulty steering knuckle assembly bearings. Check and carry out appropriate repair or replacement.
The bridge crankcase is deformed. Replace crankcase.
Note. To assess the degree of wear of the transverse torque rod bushings, have an assistant turn the steering wheel left and right within a stroke of 30 cm from the center in each direction. Excessive play of the bushings will indicate wear. The weight of the vehicle during this test must be on the wheels.
Shock absorber bushings can be checked by slowly rocking the front of the car in a vertical plane (again resort to the help of an assistant). Only a very slight play in the bushings is allowed.
The position of the front wheels of the car in relation to the rear wheels is violated
Suspension pushrod bushings are worn or loose. Check (see accompanying illustration), tighten fasteners, or replace defective components.
Damaged or deformed push rods or their anchor points. Compare the dimensional specifications of the push rods with a known good part.
The helical spring sank heavily from one of the sides of the car. Replace springs in pairs.
The bridge crankcase is deformed. Replace crankcase.
Note. To check the correct location of the front axle, measure the distance from the reference (reference) points on the axle housing to the support (reference) points on the chassis. Repeat measurement between equivalent reference (reference) points from the other side of the vehicle. The measurement results must match.
Violated directional stability of the car
Tires are too loose or unevenly inflated. Adjust tire inflation pressure.
Suspension damper malfunction. Check, replace defective unit (preferably paired with a second shock absorber of this suspension).
Cross torque rod bushings worn or loose. Replace bushings or tighten fasteners (see accompanying illustration).
Suspension pushrod bushings are worn or loose. Replace bushings or tighten fasteners.
Broken or sagged front or rear coil spring. Replace the spring paired with the second of the same suspension (front or back respectively).
Note. If the front lowers more on one side than on the other, remove the corresponding coil spring and compare its performance with a new one. If the spring is found to be unusable, replace it in tandem with the second one. The same applies to the rear springs of the car.