DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| FRONT END NOISE | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. | 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings. |
| 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. | 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings. |
| 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 3. Loose or worn steering gear. | 3. Adjust or replace steering gear. | |
| FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. | 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings. |
| 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 3. Tires worn or out of balance. | 3. Replace or balance tires. | |
| 4. Alignment. | 4. Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| 5. Leaking steering dampener. | 5. Replace steering dampener. | |
| VEHICLE INSTABILITY | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. | 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings. |
| 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 3. Tire pressure. | 3. Adjust tire pressure. | |
| 4. Alignment. | 4. Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| EXCESSIVE STEERING EFFORT | 1. Loose or worn steering gear. | 1. Adjust or replace steering gear. |
| 2. Power steering fluid low. | 2. Add fluid and repair leak. | |
| 3. Column coupler binding. | 3. Replace coupler. | |
| 4. Tire pressure. | 4. Adjust tire pressure. | |
| 5. Alignment. | 5. Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE SIDE DURING BRAKING | 1. Uneven tire pressure. | 1. Adjust tire pressure. |
| 2. Worn brake components. | 2. Repair brakes as necessary. | |
| 3. Air in brake line. | 3. Repair as necessary. | |
| VEHICLE LEADS OR DRIFTS FROM STRAIGHT AHEAD DIRECTION ON UNCROWNED ROAD | 1. Radial tire lead. | 1. Cross front tires. |
| 2. Brakes dragging. | 2. Repair brake as necessary. | |
| 3. Weak or broken spring. | 3. Replace spring. | |
| 4. Uneven tire pressure. | 4. Adjust tire pressure. | |
| 5. Wheel Alignment. | 5. Align vehicle. | |
| 6. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 6. Repair as necessary. | |
| 7. Cross caster out of specification. | 7. Align vehicle. | |
| KNOCKING, RATTLING OR SQUEAKING | 1. Worn shock bushings. | 1. Replace shock. |
| 2. Loose, worn or bent steering/suspension components. | 2. Inspect, tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 3. Worn shock valve. | 3. Replace shock. | |
| IMPROPER TRACKING | 1. Loose, worn or bent track bar. | 1. Inspect, tighten or replace component as necessary. |
| 2. Loose, worn or bent steering/suspension components. | 2. Inspect, tighten or replace components as necessary. |
INSPECTING AND ADJUSTING VEHICLE LEVEL AT FRONT AND REAR AXLES
- Observe the general information on chassis alignment inspection. «(Refer to SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-250622-S06448814382007031500000) .
- Inspect the vehicle level at the front axle by performing the following: Insert measuring device between the retaining bolts of the lower control arm bearing. Position the contact arm of measuring device on the control arm and read off the plumb value of vehicle level, viewed from the center of the vehicle. «(Refer to SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-250622-S06448814382007031500000) .
- Inspect the vehicle level at the rear axle by performing the following: Loosen right rear frame brace and swivel to one side. Position contact arm on the rear axle shaft and read off the plumb value of the vehicle level, viewed from the center of the vehicle. «(Refer to SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-250622-S06448814382007031500000) . NOTE: If the vehicle level at the front or rear axle is outside the tolerance, adjust the vehicle level by changing the springs or spring rubber mounts.
- Adjust the vehicle level at the front and rear axles.
INSPECTING AND ADJUSTING VEHICLE LEVEL AT FRONT AND REAR AXLES WITH AN ELECTRONIC INCLINOMETER
- Observe the general information on chassis alignment inspection. «(Refer to SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-250622-S06448814382007031500000) . CAUTION: The measuring plate is magnetic. Information on data media, e.g. floppy disks, credit cards, etc, could be rendered unusable. NOTE: Be sure to clean measurement points on the lower wishbone. NOTE: Remove any metal shavings on the measuring plate.
- Install the measuring plate in the recessed area in the lower control arm. The groove in the measuring plate should be at an angle of 90° towards the direction of travel.
- Inspect the vehicle level at the front axle via control arm inclination. «(Refer to SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-250622-S06448814382007031500000) .
- Inspect the vehicle level at the rear axle via the rear axle shaft inclination. «(Refer to SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-250622-S06448814382007031500000) .
- Adjust the vehicle level at the front and rear axles. If the vehicle level is outside the allowed tolerance at the front or rear axle, perform the following: Adjust the vehicle level by changing the springs or the spring rubber mounts. «(Refer to SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)»(ref-250622-S06448814382007031500000) .
INSPECTION
- Check the lower control arm supporting ball joint by performing the following
- Remove the nuts (1) from the lower control arm supporting ball joint.
- Using Special Tool 9168 Ball Joint Puller (2) press out the lower control arm supporting ball joint (1).
- Check the lower control arm supporting ball joint. It should be possible to move the ball pivot without any play, binding, or creaking noises. Move the ball pivot in all directions with a tube approximately 6 in. (150 mm) in length. Check the boot for any cracks or damage. If the boot is leaking, replace supporting or follower joint.
- Measure the steering knuckle, if necessary.
INSPECTING HUB AND BEARINGS
- Remove the bolts (1) and inspect the front disc brake dust shield and replace if necessary. NOTE: Discoloration may be caused by generated heat due to incorrect bearing end play settings. CAUTION: Only replace the tapered roller bearing and bearing races in pairs.
- Inspect the spindle for any discoloration or wear on the bearing seats or the contact surface of the radial seal ring. Replace if necessary. «(Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL)»(ref-250622-S14953916252007031500000) .
- Inspect the front wheel hub (1). Inspect the threaded bores and the rotor teeth for any wear or damage.
- Inspect the tapered roller bearing (2), bearing races and the radial seal ring. The tapered roller bearings and bearing races can be reused if: The tapered rollers and bearing races have a smooth, grey running track. No discoloration (indicating, intense heat) is evident. The roller cage and the face ends of the tapered rollers are not worn or damaged. The bearing races sit tight in the wheel hub.