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 the following:
| • | 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. |
