Stud loose in
taper hole ............. A ........... (7) Require repair or
replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 8) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ........ ( 7) Require replacement.
Wear exceeds
manufacturer's
specifications .......... B ............ Require replacement.
( 1) - If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or
joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
( 2) - Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 3) - Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter
the joint and will accelerate wear.
( 4) - Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the
joint and will accelerate wear.
( 5) - If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use
those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection
method such as the dry park check.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pliers or pry bar to check ball and
socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.
( 6) - Excessive looseness is defined as being significant
enough to affect vehicle handling or structural
integrity.
( 7) - Check for damaged taper hole.
( 8) - Check for damaged stud.
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SHOCK ABSORBERS, STRUT CARTRIDGES AND STRUT ASSEMBLIES
You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle
sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions
that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut
on the same axle for improved performance and preventive maintenance.
* Part is close to the end of its useful life
* To extend tire life
* To balance ride and handling
* To improve stopping distance
When replacing steering and/or suspension components which
may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check and adjust
alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM specifications.
Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or
strut housings.
A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited
by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over
shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's
load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with original equipment coil over
shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the
SPRINGS - COIL, LEAF AND TORSION BAR section of the
STEERING AND SUSPENSION guidelines. If the vehicle is
equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest
replacing the shocks with standard shocks for any spring-
related condition.
SHOCK ABSORBER, STRUT CARTRIDGE AND STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION
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Threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
U-joint binding ......... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
U-joint loose ........... A ... Require repair or replacement
of joint.
Unequal power assist .... A .. Require repair or replacement.
(1) - Determine and correct source of contamination. Follow OE
specifications for fluid type.
( 2) - Indicates internal wear.
( 3) - If steering gear is source of inadequate assist, require
repair or replacement.
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STEERING KNUCKLES
STEERING KNUCKLE INSPECTION \
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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
bent ................... B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent part.
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require replacement of broken
part.
Attaching hardware
incorrect .............. A .......... Require replacement of
incorrect part.
Attaching hardware
loose .................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of loose part.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .. Require replacement of missing
part.
Attaching hardware
threads damaged ........ A ... Require repair or replacement
of part with damaged threads.
Attaching hardware
threads stripped
(threads missing) ...... A ..... Require replacement of part
with stripped threads.
Bent .................... B ............ Require replacement.
Broken .................. A ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt incorrect .... B ... Require replacement with bolt
that meets OE design.
Pinch bolt loose ........ B ................. Require repair.
Pinch bolt missing ...... B ............ Require replacement.
Pinch bolt tabs
deformed (pinched
together), .032"
or more before
clamping ............... B ........ ( 1) Require replacement.
Taper hole elongated .... A ........ ( 2) Require replacement.
Threads damaged ......... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Threads stripped (threads
missing) ............... A .. Require repair or replacement.
( 1) - Steering knuckle deformation can cause pinch
bolt breakage.
( 2) - Check for damaged stud.
knuckles steering linkage
Rack and pinion mounting Tighten all mounting
loose bolts
Rack and pinion out of See adjustment in
adjustment STEERING article
Tie rod end loose Tighten and check
steering linkage
Excessive Pitman shaft-to- Repair as necessary
ball nut lash
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Poor Lack of lubricant in ball Lubricate and service
Returnability joint or linkage systems
Binding in linkage or ball See STEERING LINKAGE
joints and SUSPENSION article
Improper front end alignment See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
article
Improper tire pressure Inflate to proper
pressure
Tie rod binding Inflate to proper
pressure
Shaft seal rubbing shaft See STEERING COLUMN
article
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Excessive Improper tire pressure Inflate to proper
Vertical Motion pressure
Tires, wheels or rotors Balance tires then
out of balance check wheels and
rotors
Worn or faulty shock Check and replace if
absorbers necessary
Loose tie rod ends or Tighten or replace if
steering necessary
Loose or worn wheel See SUSPENSION article
bearings
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Steering Pulls Improper tire pressure Inflate to proper
to One Side pressure
Front tires are different Rotate or replace if
sizes necessary
Wheel bearings not See FRONT SUSPENSION
article
adjusted properly
Bent or broken suspension See FRONT SUSPENSION
components article
Improper wheel alignment See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
article
Loose or worn wheel See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
bearings
Loose or worn tie rod ends See SUSPENSION
Worn upper ball joints See Ball Joint Checking
in SUSPENSION
Worn shock absorbers Replace shock absorbers
Worn strut bushings Replace strut bushings
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Car Pulls to Mismatched or uneven tires Check tire condition
One Side
Broken or sagging springs See SUSPENSION
Loose or worn strut See SUSPENSION
bushings
Improper wheel alignment See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Improper rear axle Check rear axle
alignment alignment
Power steering gear See STEERING
unbalanced
Front brakes dragging See BRAKES
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Abnormal Tire Unbalanced tires Check tire balance &
Wear rotation
Sagging or broken springs See SUSPENSION
Incorrect front end See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
alignment
Faulty shock absorbers Replace chock absorbers
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Scuffed Tires Toe-In incorrect See WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Suspension arm bent or See appropriate
twisted SUSPENSION article
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Springs Bottom Bent or broken springs See SUSPENSION
or Sag
Leaking or worn shock Replace shock absorbers
absorbers
Frame misalignment Check frame for damage
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Spring Noises Loose "U" Bolts See SUSPENSION
Loose or worn bushings See SUSPENSION
Worn or missing interliners See SUSPENSION
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Shock Absorber Loose shock mountings Check & tighten
Noise mountings
Worn bushings Replace bushings