Suspension & Steering problems - Diagnostics

[B.O.B. (JHB)]

Suspension and Steering Problems?
If you would like to make sure that your car is
safe to drive and get will you from point A to point B safe and sound. Here are a list of some steering and suspension problems and their probable causes. Some of these solutions are quite easy
and require little time but will make a significant improvement your cars handling and performance

Abnormal Tire Wear
PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY

Incorrect tire inflation pressure. Check and Inflate to recommended air pressure.
Improper wheel alignment setting (camber and toe). Adjust to factory specifications.
Tire imbalance (cupped wear) Balance tires.
Worn tire rod ends. Replace tie rod assemblies.
Worn ball joints or suspension bushings. Replace ball joints or bushings.
Worn shocks or struts. Replace shocks or struts.
Bent control arm or spindle. Replace control arm or spindle.
Loose wheel bearings. Adjust or replace bearings.
• Car Pulls To One Side
PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY

Uneven tire pressure. Check and Inflate to recommended air pressure
Mismatched tires. Replace all tires.
Improper front wheel alignment setting (caster and camber). Adjust to factory specifications.
Improper rear wheel alignment (adjustment or bent parts). Adjust to factory specifications or replace parts.
Worn ball joints or suspension bushings. Replace ball joints or bushings.
Dragging brake. Check for mechanical or hydraulic problem.
Inoperative brake on opposite side. Check for seized caliper, brake fluid leak or restriction, worn or contaminated brake linings.
Power steering rack or box defective. Replace or repair power steering unit.
• Car Wanders Side-To-Side
PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY

Worn tie rod ends. Replace tie rod assembly
Improper front wheel alignment setting (too little positive caster). Adjust to factory specifications.
Low tire pressure. Check and Inflate to recommended air pressure.
Loose wheel bearings. Adjust or replace bearings.
Worn idler arm or pitman arm. Replace idler arm or pitman arm.
Worn suspension bushings. Replace bushings.
Worn struts or shock absorbers. Replace struts or shocks.
• Excessive Play In Steering
PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY

Loose steering gear adjustment. Adjust steering gear to specifications.
Loose steering gear mounting. Tighten steering gear mounting bolts.
Worn tie rod ends. Replace tie rod assemblies.
Loose wheel bearings. Adjust or replace bearings
Worn idler arm or pitman arm. Replace idler arm or pitman arm.
• Hard Steering While Car Is Rolling
PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY

Uneven braking force. Check for mechanical or hydraulic problem.
Inoperative brake. Check for seized caliper, fluid leak or restriction, worn or contaminated lining.
Weak or broken spring. Replace spring.
Worn shocks or struts. Replace struts or shocks
Deteriorated suspension bushings (especially control
arm pivot). Replace bushings.
Loose wheel bearings. Adjust or replace bearings.
Excessive disc brake rotor
run-out. Replace both front or rear brake discs or rotors.
Improper front wheel
alignment settings Adjust alignment to factory specifications.