Regulation .02 Steering, Alignment, and Suspension.
Regulation .02 Steering, Alignment, and Suspension.LinkCopy Citation
A.
Steering. Inspect the entire steering system including steering wheel, steering column, lash, linkage, free play, and power steering for missing, loose, damaged, or worn parts.
(1)
Steering Wheel. The steering wheel shall be inspected to determine if it is circular (complete rim) and free of cracks, breaks, or objects which will interfere with the safe steering of the vehicle. The inspection will also be to determine that the steering wheel is original equipment or equivalent, including diameter.
(2)
Energy Absorbing Steering Column. To determine if the components are capable of functioning as designed, a careful inspection shall be performed, and include any objects on the steering column. An external examination of either shear pins or collapsible mesh-type material shall also be performed.
(3)
Lash.
(4)
Travel.
(5)
Linkage.
(6)
Power Steering.
Figure 2 STEERING LASH OR FREE PLAY.
B.
Wheel Alignment. There are five basic factors which are the foundations to front wheel alignment: caster, camber, toe-in, steering axis inclination, and toe-out on turns. All are mechanically adjustable except steering axis inclination and toe-out on turns. Overall front wheel alignment can be somewhat grossly indicated by measurement of front wheel toe. Excessive toe-in or toe-out is a general indication that a complete check should be made of all front wheel alignment factors. Rear wheel misalignment on vehicles with fixed rear suspension can be caused by broken or damaged springs, trailing rods, or center bolts and improper toe or camber adjustment on vehicles with independent rear suspension. If during road test there are no undesirable steering or handling reactions, caster and camber check is not necessary.
(2)
Caster. Caster is the forward or backward tilt, from vertical of the spindle support arm at the top. Improper caster can cause hard steering, low speed shimmy, wander, and brake pull problems.
(3)
Camber. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel from vertical. Improper camber can cause erratic tire wear problems, hard steering, and wander.
(4)
Rear Wheel Alignment.
Figure 6 CASTER ANGLES.
C.
Suspension. Inspect the suspension system for missing, broken, damaged, worn, rusted, or modified wheel bearings, ball joints, control arms, springs, torsion bars or frame that would affect vehicle stability.
(1)
Ball Joints. In checking for motion of ball joints, check in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, keep in mind that the load carrying joint is unloaded in procedures(a) and (b), and that a pry bar pressure sufficient only to lift the weight of the wheel assembly is required. If the inspector uses the “leverage” of a pry bar to exert excessive pressure, he can easily force an apparent ball joint movement and get a false reading. This may result in expensive replacement of perfectly good joints. Therefore, only a 12-inch to 18-inch pry bar should be used. Ball joints should be properly lubricated before inspection.
(2)
Ball Joints. Inspection of ball joints on models before 1973 shall be performed with the joints unloaded. Beginning with some 1973 models, however, some manufacturers provide a wear-indicating ball joint to facilitate inspection in which case a visual inspection is made with joints loaded.
(3)
Ball Joints. Inspection of nonload carrying ball joints shall also be performed with the joints unloaded. With the vehicle properly jacked, inspect for any noticeable looseness. (See Figures 8 and 9)
(4)
King Pin or Spindle Bolts. Inspection of king pins or spindle bolts shall be made to determine if there are any missing, broken or worn parts that may affect the steering or suspension of the vehicle.
(5)
Wheel Bearings. Wheel bearings out of adjustment can cause wander, unequal brake action, and noise due to interference of parts. Wheel bearings should be properly lubricated prior to inspection.
(6)
Springs and Torsion Bars. Loose, sagging, or broken springs or torsion bars, worn or deteriorated bushings, loose or extended shackles and loose or mislocated U-bolts, suspension modifications or broken center bolts, can cause vehicle handling instability and brake pull.
(7)
Shock Absorbers/Shock Struts.
Figure 8 BALL JOINT JACKING PROCEDURE — HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT.