Every 15,000 km or 12 months.
Front Suspension and Adjustment Check
1. Jack up the front of the vehicle and place it securely on axle stands.
2. Visually inspect the ball joint dust caps and steering rack gear guards for wear or deterioration. Any wear on these components will result in a loss of lubrication resulting in rapid deterioration of the ball joints or steering gear.
3. On vehicles with power steering, check hoses for fraying or wear, pipes and hose connections for leaks. Also check the steering gear rubber boots for signs of fluid leakage.
4. Take the wheel from above and below and try to rock it (see illustration). There may be a slight play, but if it is large, further investigation is needed. Continue pumping the wheel while the assistant presses the brake pedal. If the play is now eliminated or reduced, then the hub bearings are faulty. If there is still play, then there is wear in the suspension joints.
5. Now take the wheel on the sides and try to rock it as before. Any movement can be caused by worn hub bearings or steering tie rod ball joints. If the inner or outer ball joint is worn, visual movement will be evident.
6. Using a large screwdriver or flat bar, check the upper bushings in the suspension for wear by lifting up the suspension components. There should be some movement as the bushings are made of rubber, but excessive wear should be evident. Also check the condition of all visible rubber bushings.
7. With the vehicle on wheels, have an assistant turn the steering wheel forward and backward one eighth of a turn. There should be some play between the steering wheel and the wheels. If this is not the case, inspect the joints and bushings previously described, also check the steering column universal joints for wear and the rack and pinion itself.
Shock Absorber/ Strut Check
Note: Suspension struts/shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs.
8. Check for fluid leakage around the suspension strut/shock absorber housing. If a leak is found, the suspension strut/shock absorber must be replaced.
9. The effectiveness of the suspension strut/shock absorber can be tested by rocking the vehicle from each side. The vehicle should return to its normal position. If the car continues to rock, the suspension strut/shock absorber is probably defective. Also inspect the upper and lower strut/damper mounts for wear.
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