Note. Suspension and steering components should be checked regularly as wear or damage can shorten tire life, reduce vehicle handling and increase fuel consumption. Detailed illustrative material is also presented in Chapter Suspension and steering.
Checking the condition of shock absorbers
1. Park the vehicle on a level, level surface, if possible paved. Firmly apply the parking brake and check the tire inflation pressure.
2. Push down on one of the corners of the car. When released, the body should return to its original position, making no more than one or two oscillations.
3. Body rocking when the corner is released indicates a high probability of wear or weakening of the corresponding shock absorber.
4. Repeat the procedure for each of the remaining corners of the car.
5. Jack up the car and put it on stands.
6. Carefully inspect shock absorbers for signs of fluid leaks (see accompanying illustration). The presence of a thin oil film should not be a concern. Be sure to make sure that the shock absorber is the source of the leak, if necessary, replace the shock absorbers in the kit (front and rear). 7. Check up reliability of fastening of shock-absorbers on the support. In case of defects, replace the shock absorbers as a set.
8. Description of the procedure for replacing shock absorbers is given in Chapter Suspension and steering.
Checking the Condition of Suspension and Steering Components
A - Tie rod ends
B - lower ball joints
C - Bushings of the forks of the lower shock absorber mounts
A - Rubber bushings and stabilizer bar fasteners
B - Rubber bushings of the lower arm
1. Visually check the suspension and steering components for deformation and mechanical damage (see illustrations above).
2. Evaluate the condition of the sealing collars, protective covers and rubber bushings (see accompanying illustrations), try not to miss the signs of the development of leaks.
3. Clean the lower surface of the steering knuckle from traces of dirt, ask the assistant to grab the lower edge of the wheel and pull it in the transverse direction. Try to visually identify the play in the ball joints of the fist connection with the suspension control lever. If there is play, a worn hinge must be replaced.
4. Grasp the front and rear edges of the wheel, push the front and pull the rear. If play is found in the joints of the steering gear components, check the condition of the pendulum lever and tie rod ends. Move to the other side of the car and repeat the procedure by tugging on the opposite wheel.
For more information on the design of suspension components, see Chapter Suspension and steering.
Check of a condition of protective covers of power shafts
Corrugated rubber covers installed at both ends of each of the drive shafts are designed to protect the constant velocity joints (CV joints) from damage caused by the ingress of dirt. Oil and grease on the surface of the covers can lead to premature failure. It is advisable to wash the covers from time to time with a solution of soapy water. Due to the constant flexing when turning the wheels, the outer CV joint boots wear out faster and should be checked more often and regularly.
1. Carefully check the covers for cuts, cracks and other damage, evaluate the reliability of fixing them with bandage tapes. In case of defects or traces of lubricant leakage, the damaged cover must be replaced (see chapter Clutch and drive shafts).