It may seem daunting to try to diagnose steering or suspension problems, but if you attack it systematically, you have a fighting chance. Just find the symptom that sounds like you and see what the probable causes are.
Money Saver: Before you start replacing parts, it's a good idea to check all of the mounting nuts and bolts to be sure the problem isn't being caused by simple looseness!
Symptom: Pulling to One Side While Driving
- Low or uneven tire pressure - check tire inflation.
- Uneven tire wear - check front tires for even wear and replace both front tires.
- Alignment bad - check and adjust wheel alignment.
- Steering components bad - inspect tie rods and steering rack.
- Sticking brake caliper - inspect brakes for uneven wear or excessive heat. Repair as needed.
Symptom: Flip-flop wheel shimmy. Wheels seem to wander and wiggle rapidly back and forth.
- Low or uneven tire pressure - check tire inflation.
- One or more wheels out of balance - have wheels balanced.
- Uneven or excessive tire wear - inspect tires and replace in pairs.
- Vehicle out of alignment - check and adjust wheel alignment.
- Worn steering components - inspect tie rods and steering rack for excessive play and repair if needed.
Symptom: Porpoising over bumps or uneven roads. Porpoising, aka bouncing, dipping, diving. Car keeps going up and down after you go over a bump.
- Worn shocks or struts - replace shocks and/or struts.
- Broken or slipped leaf spring - inspect leaf springs and repair or replace as needed.
Symptom: Steering seems to be slipping.As you turn the wheel or hold it in a turned position, it feels like its slipping slightly back and forth.
- Low power steering fluid - add fluid as needed.
- Loose or worn power steering belt - tighten or replace belt.
- Bad power steering pump - have checked for pressure and replace if needed.
- Leaking power steering rack - inspect steering rack for leaks and replace rack if needed.
- Broken steering rack mounts - inspect mounts for excessive play and repair as needed
Symptom: Hard to steer. Wheel is hard to turn, especially while moving at slow speed.
- Low power steering fluid - add fluid as needed.
- Loose or worn power steering belt - tighten or replace belt.
- Bad power steering pump - have checked for pressure and replace if needed.
- Leaking power steering rack - inspect steering rack for leaks and replace rack if needed.
