Note. Steering and suspension components should be checked regularly - wear can cause excessive and dangerous tire wear, poor ride and handling, and increased fuel consumption. For more information about the components of the suspension and steering system, see Chapter Suspension and steering.
Checking shock absorbers
1. Park your vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine, and apply the parking brake. Check tire inflation pressure.
2. Press your hand on one of the corners of the car and release your hand. Pay attention to body movement. It should stop rocking and return to its original position after one or two oscillations.
3. If the vehicle continues to rock or does not return to its original position, a worn 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 shock absorbers for signs of fluid leakage. A light film of liquid is not a cause for concern. If a leak is found, make sure that the fluid is leaking from the shock absorber and not from somewhere else.
7. Check up reliability of installation and integrity of shock-absorbers. Check the upper strut mounts for damage and signs of wear. If any are found, replace the racks.
8. If it is necessary to replace the shock absorbers, refer to the Chapter Suspension and steering. Always replace both components on the same axle. If possible, try to replace all four components in the kit.
Checking other suspension and steering components
1. Examine components of system of a steering on presence of damages and deformations. Pay attention to damaged protective covers.
2. Clear a rotary fist of a dirt in the field of a spherical support of a suspension bracket. Ask an assistant to grab the lower edge of the wheel and shake it, while you yourself observe the movement of the ball joint connecting the steering knuckle to the suspension arm. Inspect the ball joint boots for tears. If play or torn anthers are found, the ball joint and its anther should be replaced.
3. 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. Tighten loose fasteners. Worn tie rods can be the cause of loose tie rods (check the tightness of the nuts first). Check up a condition of anthers of a steering mechanism of spherical hinges of tips. If the tip boots are torn, replace them together with the tips. Additional information on the steering system and suspension can be found in Chapter Suspension and steering.
Steering play check
1. Set the steering wheel to the straight ahead position.
2. Turn the steering wheel from side to side while watching the front wheels. The steering wheel can have play no more 35 mm.
3. If there is more play in the steering wheel, check the steering rods and the steering mechanism.