Suspension and Steering Flashcards

On a short-long arm (SLA) suspension with the coil spring mounted on the lower control arm, where should the jack be placed to unload the ball joints for inspection?

Answer: Under the lower control arm near the ball joint

Supporting the lower control arm takes the spring load off the load-carrying lower ball joint, so its play can be measured.

On a wear-indicating ball joint, what shows that the joint must be replaced?

Answer: The grease fitting boss is flush with or recessed into the housing

Once the indicator boss recedes flush with the housing, internal wear has gone past its limit.

During a bounce test, the vehicle keeps oscillating three or more times after the bumper is released. This usually means:

Answer: Worn shock absorbers or struts

A good damper should stop body motion within about one to one-and-a-half cycles, so continued bouncing points to worn shocks.

Why should ride height be checked before performing a wheel alignment?

Answer: Incorrect ride height changes alignment angles and points to sagging springs

Sagging springs change camber, caster, and toe, so ride height has to be corrected before alignment.

On a vehicle with torsion bar front suspension, how is front ride height usually adjusted?

Answer: By turning the torsion bar adjuster bolt

The torsion bar adjuster bolt changes the bar's preload, which raises or lowers the front ride height.

Scalloped or cupped wear spots around the tire tread are most commonly caused by:

Answer: Worn shock absorbers or struts

Weak damping lets the tire bounce, so it wears in spots around the circumference.

When installing control arms with rubber bushings, when should the pivot bolts be torqued to final specification?

Answer: With the suspension at normal ride height

Torquing at ride height keeps the rubber bushings from being twisted under preload, which would shorten bushing life and change ride height.