Troubleshooting steering and suspension issues

After inspecting his vehicle top-to-bottom, Jerry realized the problem with his car's steering was primarily due to his steering wheel being made out of Laffy Taffy. Image courtesy of 180x.locost7.info

Diagnosing steering and suspension problems may seem like a difficult task, but it is entirely possible to do if you take a logical approach. Look at the following symptoms and see if any describe your car, then go, step by step, through the possible causes.

Pulling to one side: This could be a sign of low tire pressure in at least one tire, or uneven tire wear, so check your tires first. Also, check the wheel alignment. If it is neither of these, it may be the steering components, so you’d need to check your tie rods and steering rack, or inspect your brakes for uneven wear to see if it is a sticking brake caliper.

Wheels shaking or seeming to wobble while driving: First, check your tire pressure and tire wear, as well as the wheel alignment. If none of these are the culprit, have the wheels balanced next. Finally, inspect your tie rods and steering rack and replace any worn components.

The car continues to bounce repeatedly after you hit a bump: Check your shocks and struts to see if they need replacement. If it persists, check the leaf springs to see if one is broken or has slipped, and replace if necessary.

The steering seems to slip when you’re turning or holding the wheel in a turn position: Look at fluid levels to see if you need more power-steering fluid. Next, check the steering belt. If it is loose or worn, it should be tightened or replaced. The next cause may be a faulty power steering pump, which you will need to take to a shop to get checked and fixed if necessary. Check the power steering rack for leaks and broken mounts, which may require replacement of just the mounts, or the entire steering rack.

The car is hard to steer, especially at slow speeds: Like the previous problem, check your power steering fluid levels and steering belt first. Then have your power steering pump pressure checked, and finally look over your power steering rack for any fluid leaks.

—Seth Berger

Articles that may be related to this one

• There does not seem to be any related articles at this time.