Suspension System - General Information: Troubleshooting

SUSPENSION SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING

Symptom	Possible cause	Remedy
Hard steering	Improper front wheel alignment Excessive turning resistance of lower arm ball joint Low tire pressure No power assist	Correct Replace Adjust Repair and replace
Poor return of steering wheel to center	Improper front wheel alignment	Correct
Poor or rough ride	Improper front wheel alignment Malfunctioning shock absorber Broken or worn stabilizer Broken or worn coil spring Worn lower arm bushing	Correct Repair or replace Replace Replace Replace the lower arm assembly
Abnormal tire wear	Improper front wheel alignment Improper tire pressure Malfunctioning shock absorber	Correct Adjust Replace
Wandering	Improper front wheel alignment Poor turning resistance of lower arm ball joint Loose or worn lower arm bushing	Correct Repair Retighten or replace
Vehicle pulls to one side	Improper front wheel alignment Excessive turning resistance of lower arm ball joint Broken or worn coil spring Bent lower arm	Correct Replace Replace Repair
Steering wheel shimmy	Improper front wheel alignment Poor turning resistance of lower arm ball joint Broken or worn stabilizer Worn lower arm bushing Malfunctioning shock absorber Broken or worn coil spring	Correct Replace Replace Replace Replace Replace
Bottoming	Broken or worn coil spring Malfunctioning shock absorber	Replace Replace

TIRE WEAR CHART

Wheel and tire diagnosis
Rapid wear at the center	Rapid wear at both shoulders	Wear at one shoulder
Center-tread down to fabric due to excessive over inflated tires Lack of rotation Excessive toe on drive wheels Heavy acceleration on drive	Under-inflated tires Worn suspension components Excessive cornering speeds Lack of rotation	Toe adjustment out of specification Camber out of specification Damaged strut Damaged lower arm
Partial wear	Feathered edge	Wear pattern
Caused by irregular burrs on brake drums	Toe adjustment out of specification Damaged or worn tie rods Damaged knuckle	Excessive toe on non-drive wheels Lack of rotation