Checking wheel bearing play
The front wheels run on double row ball bearings. They withstand, with lubrication, a mileage of more than 100 thousand km. However, they can draw attention to themselves much earlier because of the noise. If the noise becomes stronger, for example, when turning to the 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.
With serviceable bearings, practically no play should be felt.
If the play is noticeable, you need to ask the assistant to press the brakes hard and shake the wheel again. If play is no longer felt, this means that only the wheel bearing has play. If there is play on the braked wheel, check the elements of the front suspension of the car.
Checking the shock absorber installed on the car
Usually the shock absorber does not fail abruptly; its action weakens gradually, which can be immediately overlooked. There is a rule of thumb: after two tire changes due to tire wear, shock absorbers are still 50% effective and are ripe for replacement or repair.
Using the known method «rocking» impossible to make an accurate diagnosis (when the car is shaken by the wing and then abruptly released), because the movement of the spring may already be dampened. This method is applicable only to the determination of 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 precise symptoms of a weakening of the effectiveness of the shock absorber:
- Unstable handling when the wheels are not in constant contact with the road.
- After driving over bumps, the body sways, «yaw» the car when cornering, and the inner wheel is not sufficiently pressed against the road, and the outer wheel is not sufficiently unloaded.
- Intermittent braking distance at full braking.
- Uneven and increased tire wear.
- Traces of oil are visible on the outside of the shock absorber under the shock absorber spring plate.
CAUTION: Small traces of oil are normal.
Checking ball joints
Check ball joints for grease leaks. If the ball joint boot is cracked or otherwise damaged, replace the ball joint assembly.
Check ball stud free play as follows:
Raise the front of the car.
Attach the dial indicator to the wheel guard and rest the indicator leg against the end of the lower arm or the head of the transverse arm.
Make sure the front wheels are in the straight ahead position and the brake pedal is released.
Insert a tire spatula between the end of the lower arm or between the head of the transverse arm (next to the indicator leg).
Move the spatula, observe the indicator readings. The maximum movement should be 0.8 mm. Otherwise, replace the ball joint.
Rearrange the indicator and check the axial movement of the transverse arm. The displacement should be practically zero.
If there is vertical play, replace the ball joint.