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How to check Car Suspension and Steering ?
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- Check front and rear shock absorbers (struts)
First, have a look. The shock absorbers should be dry, and the shock's boots should not be damaged. Look at this image. This is Mercedes' front shock absorber. It looks good and its boot is perfect also. (if it looks good, ten to one that it works well). Check all the four shocks (struts) this way
But look at this strut on the image. The oil starts leaking from the strut (shock absorber) and its boot is broken. Which means the oil is coming out of the shock and in a very short time (if not yet) it will stop working, making your car unsafe to drive. Such leaky shock absorber (strut) should be replaced - visit your dealer (mechanic).
If all the four shock absorbers look good, try to test their work. Try to push down every one of four vehicle's corner one by one. The car should get down easy and then get up smoothly and slowly if the corner's shock is O.K. The vehicle should not bounce up and down more than 1 - 2 time. The more bouncing, the worse shock.
- Check visible bushings
If it's possible, try to check visible part of suspension such as bushings (pointed with arrows in the picture), ball joints, steering linkages, etc. If you see any damage, cracks, broken boots or whatever seems improper, have your car inspected by a mechanic - it probably needs some job done.
- Check the steering
Try to shake quickly steering wheel turning it left and right at a small degree (quarter of full circle) . There should not be excessive free play, neither knocking noises. If the car has the power steering, try to do so with the engine running. Check the power steering for a leaks. Check steering fluid level. If you find any leaks, have your car inspected by a mechanic - if the power steering starts leaking, it will stop working soon. If the car has rack & pinion type steering mechanism (as in the image), try to check both of steering boots (marked with an arrow) they should not be damaged. If any of them has some damage, it hast to be replaced - have your car inspected.
- Check the tires wear
If any of the tires has irregular wear (look at the image, the tire is almost bald outside) it's a sign of wrong alignment, or suspension defect. Wrong wheel alignment make the car unsafe to drive at high speed. Have the car inspected.
- Driving test
Best way to check the suspension - driving test. Switch off the radio, heater, close all windows during a test and listen for noises. Make sure, the noise isn't coming from something left in the glove box or in the trunk. Try to drive on a rough road. Any knocking coming out from suspension indicates some problem. The car should not bouncing like boat or shaking. The steering should not be difficult. The car shouldn't pull aside. If any of these conditions presents, there is some possible problem
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