Table 13.1. Troubleshooting the front suspension
Malfunction | Cause of malfunction | Methods of elimination |
| Noise in the suspension (increasing when cornering) | the wheel hub bearing has failed | replace wheel hub bearing |
| Vibrations | wheel imbalance | balance the wheels |
| radial, lateral runout of the rim | check and replace wheel rims if necessary | |
| tire radial runout | adjust tires, replace if necessary | |
| "Wobbling" of the steered wheels | wheel imbalance | balance the wheels |
| radial, lateral runout of the rim | check and replace wheel rims if necessary | |
| the rubber-metal hinge of the crossbar is faulty suspension arm | replace rubber-metal hinges of both suspension arms | |
| the ball joint of the transverse suspension arm is broken | replace wishbone | |
| the rubber-metal hinge of the traction rod is damaged | replace rubber-metal hinges of both rods | |
| the tie rod guide joint has become loose | replace the guide joint | |
| see Possible steering faults | ||
| Increased play/skew of the steering wheel | the rubber-metal joint of the transverse suspension arm is faulty | replace rubber-metal hinges of both suspension arms |
| the ball joint of the transverse suspension arm is broken | replace wishbone | |
| the rubber-metal hinge of the traction rod is damaged | replace rubber-metal hinges of both rods | |
| the tie rod guide joint has become loose | replace the guide joint | |
| see Possible steering faults | ||
| Knocks | the stiffening plate has become loose | tighten the screws (see Removing and installing / replacing the stiffening plate) |
| the front axle beam to the front side member has become loose | replace bolts (see Lowering the front axle beam) | |
| the shock absorber strut mount to the pivot support has become loose | replace bolt and nut (see Removing and installing the front shock absorber strut) | |
| the ball joint of the transverse suspension arm is broken | replace wishbone | |
| the tie rod guide joint has become loose | replace the guide joint | |
| the stabilizer mounting joint is faulty | replace both stabilizer mounting joints | |
| the ball joints of the stabilizer bar mount are broken | replace both stabilizer bar mounting posts | |
| Increased tread wear | incorrect front and/or rear wheel alignment | check the integrity of the chassis parts, if necessary, measure and adjust the wheel alignment angles |