pdf version - The Old Car Manual Project

CHASSIS SUSPENSION
DIAGNOSIS CHART
EFFECT CAUSE REMEDY
Hard Steering Indicated by
tightness in steering system.
Low
or
Steering
adjusted
uneven tire pressure.
gear or connections
too tight.
Insufficient or incorrect lubri
cant used.
Excessive caster or toe-in.
Suspension arms bent or
twisted
Front springs sagged.
King pin bushings scored.
Steering knuckle bent.
Thrust bearing scored or worn.
Frame bent or broken.
Inflate tires to proper pressure.
Test steering system for bind
ing with front wheels off floor.
Adjust as necessary and lubri
cate.
Check lubricant in steering gear
and lubricate steering system
as required.
Lubricate front suspension.
Check caster and toe-in.
Check wheel camber, king pin
inclination, and caster. Replace
bent arms with new ones.
Check spring height. Sagged
springs should be replaced with
new ones. See Note 6.
Replace with new bushings.
Replace with new knuckle.
Replace with new bearing.
Check frame for proper align
ment or breakage. Repair or
replace frame as necessary.
Excessive Play or Looseness Steering gear connections ad- Adjust or install new parts as
in Steering System justed too loose or worn, necessary.
Car pulls to one side.
Steering knuckle bearings worn.
Front wheel bearings incorrectly
adjusted or worn,
Uneven tire pressure.
Install new bearings.
Adjustbearings or replace
new pans as necessary.
with
Inflate tires to proper pressure.
Uneven
tire wear.
Interchange tires.
Uneven
camber.
Check and
necessary.
adjust camber as
Uneven caster.
Rear wheels not tracking with
front wheels.
Shock absorbers inoperative.
Check caster and adjust as ne
ceS sa ry.
Check alignment of rear wheels
with front wheels.
Check shock absorbers.