Steering check
Application. For detailed illustrative materials on the elements of the steering and suspension system, refer to chapter 10.
1. On a non-wheel driven vehicle, point the front wheels straight ahead. Gently rock the steering wheel in both directions. If the play is excessive, the front wheel bearings, main steering yoke, countershaft yoke, lower arm ball joints, or steering shaft joint are worn, or the steering mechanism is out of alignment or broken. Steering wheel play is the amount of travel (smeared on the rim of the steering wheel) between the beginning of the steering wheel movement and the moment at which the front wheels begin to turn (it can be felt by slight resistance). For a description of the appropriate repair procedure, refer to chapter 10.
2. Other signs of malfunction, such as increased body movement when driving on rough roads, lateral vibrations and steering wheel sticking when turning it, may indicate a malfunction of the steering and / or suspension components.
Suspension check
3. Check the shock absorbers by pressing and releasing each corner of the car several times. If the vehicle does not return to a level position within one or two «pitching», the shock absorbers/struts are worn out and need to be replaced. As the car body moves up and down, listen for squeaks and noises coming from the suspension components. For more information on suspension elements, see chapter 10.
4. Raise the vehicle with a jack and securely support it under it. The correct mast for installing the jack is indicated in paragraph «Lifting, placing the car on supports and towing» at the beginning of this guide.
5. Check tires for normal wear and measure tire pressure. For information on tread wear, see paragraph 5 in this chapter, and for wheel bearing replacement procedures, refer to chapter 10.
6. Examine the cardan joint between a steering shaft and a case of the steering mechanism. Check the steering gear housing for fluid leaks. Check that the dust seals and boots are not damaged and that the boot straps are not loose. Check steering gear for loose components or damage. Check the tie rod ends for excessive play. Look for loose bolts, broken or disconnected components, and substandard rubber bushings on all suspension and steering components. Have an assistant turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and check the steering controls for freedom of movement, chafing and binding. If the steering controls don't seem to respond properly to steering wheel turn, try to determine where the slack is.
7. Check the ball joints for wear by using a pry bar to move each lower arm up and down (pic. 13.7), to determine if there is any unintended play in the ball joint. If there is play in the ball joint, replace it. For a front ball joint replacement procedure, refer to chapter 10.
Pic. 13.7. To check the ball joints, try using a pry bar to move the lower arm forward and down to ensure there is no play in the ball joint (if there is a gap, replace it)
8. Inspect ball joint boot for damage and grease leakage (pic. 13.8). If the ball joints are damaged, replace them with new ones (see chapter 10).
Ryas. 13.8. Press down on the ball joint boot to check for grease leaks and breaks
Checking the axle boot
9. The covers play a very important role in preventing the ingress of dirt, water or foreign material and damage to the constant velocity joints. Oil and grease can cause the case material to deteriorate prematurely, so it is recommended to wash the case with soap and water.
10. Inspect boots for tears, cracks, and loose clamps (pic. 13.10). If there are any signs of cracking or leakage of lubricant, the boots should be replaced as described in chapter 8.
Pic. 13.10. Open the bellows to check for rupture, cracks, or grease leakage