Massachusetts Vehicle Check - Mass08 Management Module ...

Non-Commercial
Chapter 4 – Safety Inspection
Steering and Suspension 540 CMR 4.04 (6)
Steering and Suspension Check Pass Fail
Steering linkage and steering box / gear
Suspension / front end
Springs
Shocks
Equipment:
Procedure:
Proper jacking equipment, dial indicator, and pry bar.
The front end (each side) of all vehicles will be raised by jacking. Examine one side of
the vehicle’s suspension at a time. Each suspension component must be inspected and
conform to manufacturer’s specifications. Ball joints will be checked in accordance with the
applicable manufacturer’s inspection procedure.
Items to Inspect:
Steering linkages, steering components (pitman arms, idler arms, drag links, relay
rods, inner and outer tie rod ends, etc.), suspension components, shock absorbers, and
suspension springs components.
Steering Linkage And Steering Box / Gear:
Procedure:
Check for steering binding and interference by turning the steering wheel through a
full right and left turn with the motor running. With the front wheels pointed straight
ahead, check steering lash (lost movement at the steering wheel rim) on vehicles with
power steering, check while the engine is running, using the following chart:
Massachusetts Vehicle Check
Ch. 4 - 12