Checking wheel play
The front wheels move on double-row ball bearings. They can withstand a mileage of more than 100 thousand km with the grease installed. However, they can attract attention much earlier due to noise. If the noise becomes stronger, for example, when turning right, then the defect is in the left bearing.
Firmly grasp the wheel on the ground from above and try to move it in a perpendicular direction.
If the bearings are in good condition, there should be virtually no play.
If the play is noticeable, you need to ask an assistant to press the brakes hard and pump the wheel again. If the play is no longer felt, then this means that the play is only in the wheel bearing. If there is play on the braked wheel, check the front suspension elements of the vehicle.
Checking the shock absorber installed on the car
Usually the shock absorber does not fail suddenly, its effect weakens gradually, which may not be immediately noticeable. There is a hard and fast rule: after two tire changes due to wear, the shock absorbers still retain 50% of their efficiency and are ripe for replacement or repair.
It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis using the well-known "swinging" method (when a car is rocked by the wing and then suddenly released), because the movement of the spring may already be damped. This method is only applicable to identifying a completely failed shock absorber.
An accurate picture of the condition of the shock absorber can be obtained on a special test stand, which is available in specialized workshops.
There are some clear symptoms of weakening shock absorber efficiency:
- Unstable handling when the wheels do not have constant contact with the road.
- After driving over uneven surfaces, the body sways, the car "swerves" on turns, and the inner wheel is not pressed hard enough to the road, and the outer wheel is not unloaded enough.
- Intermittent braking distance under full braking.
- Uneven and increased tire wear.
- Traces of oil are visible on the outside of the shock absorber under the spring plate of the shock absorber strut.
Please note: Small traces of oil are considered normal.
Checking ball joints
Check the ball joints for grease leaks. If the ball joint boot is cracked or otherwise damaged, replace the ball joint assembly.
Check the free play of the ball joint pin as follows:
Raise the front of the vehicle.
Attach the indicator to the wheel guard and rest the indicator leg against the end of the lower arm.
Make sure the front wheels are in a straight-ahead position and the brake pedal is released.
Insert a tire lever between the end of the lower arm or between the head of the transverse arm (next to the indicator leg).
Move the blade and watch the indicator readings. The maximum movement should be 0.8 mm. Otherwise, replace the ball joint.
Move the indicator and check the axial movement of the lower arm. The displacement should be practically zero.
If there is vertical free play, replace the ball joint.