Front Suspension
INTRODUCTION TO FRONT SUSPENSION DIAGNOSISIf the front suspension is faulty, the vehicle will not run straightforward or noise will occur. Incorrect wheel alignment, malfunction of strut assembly, stabilizer bar, coil spring, or worn or out-of-balance tires can cause these problems.
FRONT SUSPENSION DIAGNOSIS TROUBLESHOOTING STRATEGY
Use these steps to plan your diagnostic strategy. If you follow them carefully, you will be sure that you have exhausted most of the possible ways to find a front suspension fault.
1. Gather information from the customer.
2. Verify that the condition described by the customer exists.
3. Find and repair the malfunction by following the Symptom Chart and Symptom Procedures.
4. Verify malfunction is eliminated.
SYMPTOM CHART
SYMPTOM PROCEDURES
Inspection Procedure 1
Steering Wheel Is Heavy, Vibrates Or Dulls To One Side
DIAGNOSIS
STEP 1. Check The Ball Joint.
If faulty, replace it. Then go to Step 5.
If normal, go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check The Coil Spring.
If faulty, replace it. Then go to Step 5.
If normal, go to Step 2.
STEP 3. Check The Wheel Alignment.
If faulty, adjust it. Then go to Step 5.
If normal, go to Step 4.
STEP 4. Check The Tires.
If out of balance, balance as necessary.
If excessively worn, replace as necessary. Then go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check Symptoms.
Verify that the malfunction is eliminated.
Inspection Procedure 2
Excessive Body Rolling
DIAGNOSIS
STEP 1. Check For Broken Or Deteriorated Stabilizer Bar.
If faulty, replace it. Then go to Step 3.
If normal, go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check For Strut Assembly Damage.
If damaged, replace it. Then go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check Symptoms.
Verify that the malfunction is eliminated.
Inspection Procedure 3
Poor Riding
DIAGNOSIS
STEP 1. Check For Improper Tire Inflation Pressure.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Check.
If faulty, adjust it. Then go to Step 4.
If normal, go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check For Broken Or Deteriorated Coil Spring(S).
If faulty, replace it. Then go to Step 4.
If normal, go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check For Strut Assembly Damage.
If damaged, replace it. Then go to Step 4.
STEP 4. Check Symptoms.
Verify that the malfunction is eliminated.
Inspection Procedure 4
Unequal Ride Height
DIAGNOSIS
STEP 1. Check For Broken Or Deteriorated Coil Spring(S).
If faulty, replace it. Then go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check Symptoms.
Verify that the malfunction is eliminated.
Inspection Procedure 5
Noise
DIAGNOSIS
STEP 1. Check For Lack Of Lubrication.
If necessary, lubricate it. Then go to Step 5.
If normal, go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check The Tightened Parts For Looseness As Well As The Bushings For Wear.
If worn, replace it. Then go to Step 5.
If loose, tighten it.
If normal, go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check For Broken Coil Spring.
If faulty, replace it. Then go to Step 5.
If normal, go to Step 4.
STEP 4. Check For Strut Assembly Damage.
If faulty, replace it. Then go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check Symptoms.
Verify that the malfunction is eliminated.