How to Check for Loose or Worn Suspension Components

PARTS AND TOOLS

Tools needed:

Flashlight Floor Jack

2 more tools. (Show)

Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $0.00 parts only Shop Costs
Est. $158.10 in parts and labor

Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

1 Contributor(s) to this Article

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Open your hood and locate the top of your suspension strut mounts/shock towers.

With your vehicle in park, have an assistant push down on the fender to simulate driving over bumps.

Inspect the upper shock mounts on the inside of the engine compartment and underneath the wheel well for damage.

Close your hood and secure your vehicle on a level surface, making sure your vehicle will not roll or lean when jacked up.

Inspect the vehicle ride height (coil springs, struts, or torsion bars). Some owner’s manuals will have ride height specifications. The left and right side measurements should be equal.

Using a floor jack, lift up the front of your vehicle.

Secure the vehicle with jack stands on both sides for safety before starting any work. The pinch welds or the frame rails are the two best locations. Do not rely on the jack to hold the vehicle up while working. the picture is wrong you can not work on the suspension if your jack stand is sitting on the control arm.

Jack stands supporting the vehicle from both sides

Inspect all suspension grease boots for damage and make sure the boots are full of grease. Checking for grease boot will require you to open the boots.

Inspect sway bar mounts and end linkage for loose, bent, or missing components. Any damaged linkage will need to be replaced.

Inspect the control arms for damage to the bushings and ball joints. Bushing kits and ball joints are available for replacement; however, replacing the control arm assembly is also an option.

Inspect the steering rack, steering box, steering column, and the inner tie rod linkage.

Inspect the outer tie rod ends for excessive play at the connection to the steering knuckle. You will also want to inspect the tie rod boots for damage.

Replace the necessary suspension system components and take the vehicle to a certified technician for proper alignment.

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GUIDE CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to all the contributors who helped make this guide better!
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