The problems in steering, the problems in suspension, and
the problems in tires and wheels involve several systems. Therefore, all must
be considered when diagnosing a complaint. Always road test the vehicle first
to avoid using the wrong symptom. Allow for road surface imperfections and
allow for road crown when road testing a vehicle. The test route chosen must
resemble the average surface the customer utilizes in order to duplicate the
complaint.
Proceed with the following preliminary checks. Correct any substandard
conditions found.
| • | Inspect for wrong tire pressure. |
| • | Inspect for uneven wear on tires. |
| • | Inspect for loose connections. |
| • | Inspect for wear on joints from the steering column to the steering
gear. |
| • | Inspect for loose parts on the front suspension. |
| • | Inspect for damaged parts on the front suspension. |
| • | Inspect for loose parts on the rear suspension. |
| • | Inspect for damaged parts on the rear suspension. |
| • | Inspect for loose parts on the steering gear. |
| • | Inspect for damage parts on the steering gear. |
| • | Inspect for loose parts on the steering linkage. |
| • | Inspect for damaged parts on the steering linkage. |
| • | Inspect for out-of-round. |
| • | Inspect for tire imbalance. |
| • | Inspect for damaged wheel. |
| • | Inspect the power steering fluid level. |
| • | Inspect for a Variable Effort Steering System (VESS) malfunction. |
