Suspension and Steering Flashcards

A vehicle pulls to the right. After the front tires are swapped side to side, it pulls to the left. What is the likely cause?

Answer: Tire conicity (radial pull)

If the pull changes direction when the tires are swapped, the tire itself is causing the pull.

Wheel tramp, where the wheel hops up and down, is caused by:

Answer: Static imbalance

Static imbalance is uneven weight around the wheel's circumference, and it makes the wheel hop vertically.

After a turn, a vehicle keeps pulling in the direction of the last turn. This 'memory steer' is most likely caused by:

Answer: A binding upper strut mount bearing

A binding strut bearing or tight joint keeps the wheels from returning to center after a turn.

What is the correct order of front-end alignment adjustments?

Answer: Caster, camber, then toe

Changing caster or camber also changes toe, so toe is always adjusted last.

A vehicle wanders on the highway, and the steering feels loose. Which condition is the most likely cause?

Answer: Worn tie rod ends

Play in the tie rod ends lets toe change while driving, which makes the vehicle wander.

A MacPherson strut vehicle makes a light clunk over small bumps, especially on uneven pavement. Which part should be checked first?

Answer: Stabilizer bar end links

Worn sway bar end links often clunk on small, uneven bumps that twist the stabilizer bar.

Before loosening the strut rod nut on a MacPherson strut assembly that has been removed from the vehicle, the technician must:

Answer: Compress the coil spring with a strut spring compressor

The coil spring is under heavy load, so it must be compressed before the rod nut is removed to prevent serious injury.