Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear
Inspect for:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ For excessive toe.
^ Springs for sags or breaks.
^ Tire balance.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse.
^ Vehicle for uneven or excessive loading.
^ Tires for proper inflation.

Scuffed Tires
Inspect for:
^ ^ Wheel alignment.
^ ^ Vehicle for signs of abuse.
^ Suspension arms for damage or deformation.

Wheel Tramp
Inspect for:
^ Tire or wheel for proper balance.
^ Strut or shock absorber for wear and proper action.

Shimmy, Shake or Vibration
Inspect for:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Tire treads for blisters or separation.
^ Tire or wheel for proper balance.
^ Wheel stud for excessive runout.
^ Brake drum or rotor for damage or deformation.
^ Tie rod ends for wear.
^ Wheel trim.
^ Lower ball joints for wear or damage.
^ Wheel for excessive runout.
^ Tire and wheel assembly for excessive loaded radial runout.

Excessive Play or Looseness in Steering System
Inspect for:
^ Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
^ Steering gear mounting for proper and secure installation.
^ Joints from column to steering gear for proper and secure installation.
^ Steering gear adjustment.
^ Tie rod ends and ball joints for looseness.

Abnormal Noise, Front End
Inspect for:
^ Ball joints and tie rod ends for lack of lubrication.
^ Suspension components for wear or damage.
^ Control arm bushings or tie rod ends for wear or damage.
^ Wheel nuts for proper and secure installation.
^ Suspension bolts for proper and secure installation.
^ Wheel covers.
^ Steering gear adjustment.
^ Strut, shock absorbers or mountings for wear or damage.
^ Springs for proper positioning.
^ Wheel bearings for excessive wear.

Wander or Poor Steering Stability
Inspect for:
^ Tires for mismatch or uneven wear.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks or sags.
^ Steering gear adjustment.
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Lack of lubrication in ball joints or tie rod ends.

Erratic Steering When Braking
Inspect for:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks or sags.
^ Wheel cylinder or caliper for leaks.
^ Rotors for warpage.
^ Caster adjustment.
^ Tires for adequate inflation.

Low or Uneven Trim Height
Inspect for:
^ Springs for breaks or sags.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.
^ Springs for correct part number installation, wear and damage.

Ride Too Soft
Inspect for:
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks, sags, or incorrect installation.

Ride Too Harsh
Inspect for:
^ Strut or shock absorbers for incorrect part number installation.

Body Leans or Sways in Corners
Inspect for:
^ Strut, shock absorbers, and mounting for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks or sags.
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.

Suspension Bottoms
Inspect for:
^ Vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Springs for breaks, sags, or incorrect installation.

"Dog" Tracking
Inspect for:
^ Rear suspension arm and bushings for wear or damage.
^ Frame and underbody alignment for damage.

Cupped Tires
Inspect for:
^ Wheel alignment.
^ Strut or shock absorbers for wear or damage.
^ Wheel bearings for wear or damage.
^ Tire and wheel for excessive runout.
^ Ball joints for wear or damage.
^ Steering gear adjustment.