Suspension Service OverviewSuspension Service Overview

Testing the repair suspension parts.

1. Measure spring height/replace springs.

2. Testing shocks and struts/replacement.

3. Checking suspension parts/ replace as necessary.

4. Replacement of: ball joints, control arms bushings, control arms, steering knuckles, strut rods, strut rod bushings, stabilizers & stabilizer bushings.

Steering Service OverviewSteering Service Overview

Testing and repair of steering parts.

1. Test conventional steering parts for wear and damage.

2. Test rack and pinion steering for wear and damage.

3. Replace worn parts including: tie rods, idler arms, center links, pitman arms, pitman shaft seals, entire racks & power steering repairs.

Wheel Alignment OverviewWheel Alignment Overview

Front wheel alignment.4 wheel alignment.Hunter DSP 400.

Automotive SpringsAutomotive Springs

Leaf Springs Coil Springs Torsion Bars Air Suspension

Leaf SpringsLeaf Springs

Often used on trucks and SUV’s some car applications

Coil SpringsCoil Springs

Most common type on automobiles

Requires more sophisticated suspension system

Torsion BarsTorsion Bars

Popular on pick-ups and SUV’s

Adjustable on many applications

Air SuspensionAir Suspension

Used on luxury cars Complicated Can use sensors and

computer

Testing SpringsTesting Springs

Measuring height called ride height or curb height

Simple inch or mm measurement

Need to know where to measure

Must check specifications

Shock AbsorbersShock Absorbers

Remove spring oscillations

Dual Acting Direct Action Telescopic Hydraulic Gas operated

Checking Shock AbsorbersChecking Shock Absorbers

Look for oil leaks Jounce test Bench test

Rear SuspensionRear Suspension

Rear suspension using leaf springs.

Control Arm SuspensionControl Arm Suspension

Steering knuckle Upper control arm Lower control arm Upper ball joint Lower ball joint Upper control arm

bushings Lower control arm

bushings Spring Shock

McPherson StrutMcPherson Strut

Spring Strut (shock) Lower control

arm Lower ball joint Steering knuckle Strut rod Stabilizer

Inspecting Control Arm Inspecting Control Arm SuspensionsSuspensions

Visual inspection Control arms Steering knuckle Upper and lower

control arm bushings Jack properly to check

ball joints

Inspecting McPherson Strut Inspecting McPherson Strut SuspensionsSuspensions

Visual inspection Control arm Steering knuckle Lower control arm

bushings Properly lift to check

lower ball joint Strut

Strut RodsStrut Rods

Strut rod is also known as a brake reaction rod.

Strut Rod orBrake Reaction Rod

StabilizersStabilizers

Anti-Roll or Sway bar for better cornering. Note: It mounts to each control arm and the chassis.

Conventional or parallelogram type used on trucks and large cars

Rack and pinion steering used on most cars

STEERING LINKAGE

Steering Linkage DetailSteering Linkage DetailIdler Arm Tie Rod

Inspecting Steering LinkageInspecting Steering Linkage

Inspect the following: Pitman Arm Idler arm Center link Tie-rod ends Rack housing Boots and bushings

Grab the tire in the front and moveback and forth. Observe parts forImproper looseness.

Rack and Pinion SteeringRack and Pinion Steering

How a Rack and Pinion WorksHow a Rack and Pinion Works

Pinion connects to the steering column.

Rack (a flat gear) Connects to the tie rods and steering arm.

Exploded view of the rackExploded view of the rack

Rack & Pinion Steering Rack & Pinion Steering InspectionInspection

Check out-board tie rods ends.

Check in-board tie rod ends.

Check bellows boot. Check rack mounting. Check pinion gear

lash.

Power SteeringPower Steering

Hydraulic assist using a pump, reservoir, hoses, valves and power cylinder.

Conventional Power SteeringConventional Power Steering

Integral Type Power SteeringIntegral Type Power Steering

Power Rack & Pinion Power Rack & Pinion SteeringSteering

Power Steering InspectionPower Steering Inspection

Check for the following:

1 - Belt tension2 - Belt condition3 - Leaks4 - Noises5 - Proper operation