On the chassis parts (wheels, suspension arms, anti-roll bar, front suspension crossmember, rear axle beam, shock absorbers and springs) and transmissions (front wheel drive shafts and cardan shafts) there should be no deformations, cracks or other mechanical damage that affects the shape and strength of the parts.
We carry out the work on an inspection ditch or overpass.
We inspect the rubber-metal joints of the lower arms of the front suspension.
Rubber-metal hinges are subject to replacement:
- in case of ruptures and one-sided swelling of rubber;
- when cutting and wearing out the rubber on the ends of the hinge;
- when the radial displacement of the outer sleeve of the hinge relative to the inner one is more than 2.5 mm;
- if the width of the rubber band between the ends of the outer sleeve and the thrust washer of the hinge does not fit within the range of 3.0-7.5 mm.
We similarly assess the condition of the upper arm joints. We inspect the anti-roll bar cushions. Cushions that are torn, cracked or have holes in them must be replaced. We inspect the shock absorbers and springs of the front and rear suspensions. The springs must not be damaged. Tears, cracks and severe deformation of rubber bushings, cushions and compression buffers of shock absorbers are unacceptable. No fluid leakage from the shock absorbers is allowed. Minor "sweating" of the shock absorber in its upper part while maintaining its characteristics is not a malfunction.
Alternately lifting the front wheels (the vehicle must be securely fixed to the support stand), we check the condition of the front wheel hub bearings.
Use only factory-made support posts.
The wheel should rotate smoothly by hand, without jamming or knocking. Taking hold of the wheel in a vertical plane, we alternately sharply pull the upper part of the wheel towards ourselves, and the lower part away from ourselves, and vice versa. We make sure there is no play (knocking). If there is a knock, we ask the assistant to press the brake pedal. If the knocking noise disappears, then the hub bearing is faulty, and if the knocking noise remains, then most likely the ball joint is worn out. If there is excessive play, adjust the clearance in the bearings (see "Checking and adjusting the clearance in the front wheel hub bearings"). We check the condition of the protective covers of the upper and lower ball joints of the front suspension. We replace ball joints with torn or cracked covers.
You can preliminarily assess the condition of the upper ball joint...
...by shaking the upper part of the wheel vigorously in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the car (in this case, it is necessary for the assistant to press the brake pedal all the way down).
The presence of play (knocking) in the suspension is a reason for a more detailed inspection of the upper ball joint.
To do this, hang up and remove the wheel.
We place a wooden support under the lower ball joint and lower the car onto it until the spring is fully compressed.
Using a long mounting blade, alternately pump the upper arm of the front suspension...
...down...
...and up...
... creating a load, respectively, on pressing in and pulling out the ball joint pin from the joint housing. At the same time...
...we monitor the movement of the body 1 of the ball joint relative to the steering knuckle 2.
If there is play in the connection, replace the ball joint.
To check the condition of the lower ball joint, remove the front wheel...
...and, placing a stop under the lower arm (as close to the ball joint as possible), we lower the car onto it until the spring is fully compressed.
Using a long mounting blade, alternately pump the upper arm of the front suspension down and up (see above)...
...observing the movement of the lower ball joint housing relative to the steering knuckle.
If there is play in the connection, replace the lower ball joint. Rotate and turn the front wheels alternately (with the front of the car raised)...
...we inspect the protective covers of the outer joints of the front wheel drives.
We inspect the protective covers of the inner joints of the front wheel drives...
...we check the reliability of the fastening of the hinge covers with clamps. Covers that are cracked, torn or have lost elasticity must be replaced.
We inspect the fastening of the longitudinal and transverse rods of the rear suspension. Rods with torn, cracked or squeezed out rubber bushings on one side must be replaced.
We insert a mounting blade between the bracket and the eye of the rod and try to move the rod.
If the barbell moves along the rubber bushing, replace the barbell.
We inspect the transfer case mounting brackets...
...and powertrain mounts: rear...
...and two front ones.
Brackets and supports with torn or peeling rubber must be replaced.
We inspect the flexible coupling of the intermediate shaft.
If there are cracks or separation of the rubber from the metal liners, the coupling must be replaced.
By rocking the cardan shaft joint forks relative to each other, we check for play in the crosspiece bearings.
If play is noticeable, the cardan shaft crosspiece must be replaced.