GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Metro 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Ride Diagnosis

Problem

Action

Cupped tires
    • Inspect the wheel alignment.
    • Inspect the strut or the shock absorbers for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the wheel bearings for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the tire and the wheel for excessive runout.
    • Inspect the ball joints for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the steering gear adjustment.

Erratic steering during braking
    • Inspect the wheel alignment.
    • Inspect the wheel bearings for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the springs for breaks and sags.
    • Inspect the wheel cylinder for leaks.
    • Inspect the caliper for leaks.
    • Inspect the rotor for warpage.
    • Inspect the caster adjustment.
    • Inspect the tires for adequate inflation.

Excessive play or looseness
    • Inspect the wheel bearings for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the steering gear mounting for correct and secure installation.
    • Inspect the joints from the column to the steering gear for proper and secure installation.
    • Inspect the steering gear adjustment.
    • Inspect the tie rod ends and the ball joints for looseness.

The ride is too soft
    • Inspect the struts or the shock absorbers for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the struts or the shock absorbers for incorrect installation.
    • Inspect the springs for the following conditions:
       - Breaks
       - Sags
       - Incorrect installation

Scuffed tires
    • Inspect the wheels alignment.
    • Inspect the for signs of abuse.
    • Inspect the suspension arms for damage or deformation.

Vehicle leads/ pulls
    • Inspect the vehicle for mismatched or uneven tires.
    • Inspect the vehicle for broken or sagging springs.
    • Inspect the for radial tire lateral force.
    • Inspect the wheel alignment.
    • Inspect the front brakes for dragging.

Abnormal or excessive wear
    • Inspect the wheel alignment.
    • Inspect for excessive toe.
    • Inspect the springs for sags or breaks.
    • Inspect the tire balance.
    • Inspect the strut or the shock absorbers for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the vehicle for signs of abuse.
    • Inspect the vehicle for uneven or excessive loading.
    • Inspect the tires for correct inflation.

Wheel tramp
    • Inspect the tire and wheel for proper balance.
    • Inspect the strut or the shock absorber for wear.
    • Inspect the strut or the shock absorber for correct operation.

Noise in the front end
    • Inspect the ball joints and the ties rods for correct lubrication.
    • Inspect the suspension components for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the control arm bushings and the tie rod ends for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the wheel nuts for correct and secure installation.
    • Inspect the suspension bolts for correct and secure installation.
    • Inspect the wheel covers.
    • Inspect the steering gear adjustment.
    • Inspect the following components for wear or damage:
       - The strut
       - The shock absorbers
       - The mountings
    • Inspect the springs for correct positioning.
    • Inspect the wheel bearings for excessive wear.

Wander or poor steering ability
    • Inspect the tires for mismatch or uneven wear
    • Inspect the struts or the shock absorbers for wear or damage.

Low or uneven trim height
    • Inspect the springs for breaks or sags.
    • Inspect the vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading.
    • Inspect the springs for the following conditions:
       - Correct part number installation
       - Wear
       - Damage

Body leans or sways
    • Inspect the following components for wear or damage:
       - The strut
       - The shock absorbers
       - The mounting
    • Inspect the springs for breaks or sags
    • Inspect the vehicle for signs of abuse and overloading

Suspension bottoms
    • Inspect the for signs of abuse and overloading
    • Inspect the strut or the shock absorbers for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the springs for the following conditions:
       - Breaks
       - Sags
       - Incorrect installation

Dog tracking
    • Inspect the following components for wear or damage:
       - The rear suspension arm
       - The bushing
    • Inspect the frame and the underbody alignment for damage.

Shimmy
    • Inspect the wheel alignment.
    • Inspect the tire treads for blisters or separation.
    • Inspect the tire and wheel for correct balance.
    • Inspect the wheel stud for excessive runout.
    • Inspect the brake drum or the rotor for damage or deformation.
    • Inspect the tie rod ends for wear.
    • Inspect the wheel trim.
    • Inspect the lower ball joints for wear or damage.
    • Inspect the wheel for excessive runout.
    • Inspect the tire and wheel assembly for excessive loaded radial runout.