Symptom Chart

SYMPTOM CHART

Symptom	Suspect Area	Remedy
Squeak or grunt-noise from the front suspension, occurs more in cold ambient temperatures-more noticeable over rough roads or when turning	Front stabilizer bar	Under these conditions, the noise is acceptable.
Clunk-noise from the front suspension, occurs in and out of turns	Loose front struts or shocks	Inspect for loose nuts or bolts. Tighten to specifications.
Clunk-noise from the rear suspension, occurs when shifting from reverse to drive	Loose rear suspension components	Inspect for loose or damaged rear suspension components. Repair or install new components as necessary.
Click or pop - noise from the front suspension, more noticeable over rough roads or over bumps	Worn or damaged ball joints	Install new lower arm as necessary.
Click or pop - noise occurs when vehicle is turning	Worn or damaged ball joints	Install new lower arm as necessary.
Click or snap - occurs when accelerating around a corner	Damaged or worn Birfield joint	Repair or install a new Birfield joint as necessary. See DRIVESHAFT .
Front suspension noise - A squeak, creak, or rattle noise - occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Steering components Loose or bent front struts or shock absorbers Damaged spring or spring mounts Damaged or worn arm bushings Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushing or links	Go to DETAILED TEST A: FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION .
Groaning or grinding - noise from the front strut, occurs when driving on bumpy roads or turning the vehicle	Uneven seating surface between the insulator and panel by the burrs around the strut insulator mounting bolts and the insulator bolts mounting holes	Repair or install a new parts as necessary.
Rear suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise - occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Loose or bent rear shock absorbers Damaged spring or spring mounts Damaged or worn control arm bushings	Go to DETAILED TEST B: REAR SUSPENSION NOISE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION .
Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop	Rear axle assembly mis-positioned Damaged or worn front suspension components	Check the axle mounts and rear suspension for damage or wear. Repair as necessary. Check for a loose stabilizer bar, damaged or loose strut/strut bushings or loose or worn ball joints. Inspect the steering linkage for wear or damage. Repair or Install new components as necessary.
Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration - also hard steering condition	Excessive positive caster	Check the caster alignment angle. Correct as necessary.
Tire noise - hum/moan at constant speeds	Abnormal wear patterns	Spin the tire and Check for tire wear. Install a new tire as necessary. Inspect for damaged/worn suspension components. Perform wheel alignment.
Tire noise - noise tone lowers as the vehicle speed is lowered	Out-of-balance tire	Balance the tire and road test. Install a new tire as necessary.
Tire noise - ticking noise, change with speed	Nail puncture or stone in tire tread	Inspect the tire. Repair or replace as necessary.
Wheel and tire - vibration and noise concern is directly related to vehicle speed and is not affected by acceleration, coasting or decelerating	Damaged or worn tire	Go to DETAILED TEST C: WHEEL AND TIRE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION .
Tire wobble or shudder - occurs at lower speeds	Damaged wheel bearings	Spin the tire and check for abnormal wheel bearing play or roughness. Adjust or Install new wheel bearings as necessary. See FRONT AXLE /REAR AXLE .
	Damaged wheel	Inspect the wheel for damage. Install a new wheel as necessary.
	Damaged or worn suspension components	Inspect the suspension components for wear or damage. Repair as necessary.
	Loosen wheel nuts	Check the wheel nuts. Tighten to specification.
	Damaged or uneven tire wear	Spin the tire and Check for abnormal tire wear or damage. Install a new tire as necessary.
Tire shimmy or shake - occurs at lower speeds	Wheel/tire out of balance
	Uneven tire wear	Check for abnormal tire wear. Install a new tire as necessary.
	Excessive radial runout of wheel or tire	Perform a radial runout test of the wheel and tire. Install a new tire as necessary.
	Worn or damaged wheel studs or elongate stud holes	Inspect the wheel studs and wheels. Install new components as necessary.
	Excessive lateral runout of the wheel or tire	Perform a lateral runout test of the wheel and tire. Check the wheel, tire and hub. Repair or Install new components as necessary.
	Foreign material between the brake disc and hub.	Clean the mounting surfaces of the brake disc and hub. See FRONT AXLE /REAR AXLE .
High speed shake or shimmy - occurs at high speeds	Excessive wheel hub runout Damaged or worn tires Damaged or worn wheel bearings Worn or damaged suspension or steering linkage Brake disc or drum imbalance	Go to DETAILED TEST D .
Drift left or right	Tires Steering linkage Alignment Base brake system	Go to DETAILED TEST E: DRIFT LEFT OR RIGHT .
Steering wheel	Alignment Steering linkage Front lower arm ball joint	Go to DETAILED TEST F: STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER .
Tracks incorrectly	Rear suspension Caster	Go to DETAILED TEST G: TRACKS INCORRECTLY .
Rough ride	Front strut and spring assembly Rear shock absorber and spring assembly	Go to DETAILED TEST H: ROUGH RIDE .
Excessive noise	Front or rear stabilizer bar components Springs Suspension components Shock absorbers	Go to DETAILED TEST I: EXCESSIVE NOISE .
Incorrect tire wear	Tire or unbalanced wheels Tire inflation Strut Alignment	Go to DETAILED TEST J: INCORRECT TIRE WEAR
Vibration	Wheel/tire Front wheel driveshaft(s) Steering system Strut and spring assembly Spring and strut mounting Front lower arm ball joint Front lower arm mounting bolt bushing Stabilizer bar bushings Wheel hubs and bearing Rear suspension arms and bushings	Go to DETAILED TEST K: VIBRATION .
Vehicle leans	Tire/wheel Vehicle load Suspension components Incorrect ride height	Inflate tires to specification. Redistribute the load as necessary. Visually inspect the suspension system. Correct the ride height as necessary.
Poor steering returnability	High knuckle rotating torque Alignment	Go to DETAILED TEST E: DRIFT LEFT OR RIGHT .

DETAILED TEST A: FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE

FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
A1: ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE
	Test drive the vehicle. During the road test, drive the vehicle over a rough road. Determine from which area/component the noise is originating. Is there a squeak, creak or rattle noise? → YES Go to A2. → NO The suspension system is OK. Conduct a diagnosis on other suspect systems.
A2: INSPECT THE STEERING SYSTEM
	Check the steering system for wear or damage. Perform a steering linkage test. Inspect the tire wear pattern. Are the steering components worn or damaged? → YES Repair the steering system. Install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to A3.
A3: FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER/STRUT CHECK
	Check the front shock absorbers/strut mounts for loose bolts or nuts. Check the front shock absorbers/struts for damage. Perform a shock absorber check. Are the front shock absorbers/struts loose or damaged? → YES Tighten to specifications if loose. Install new front shock absorbers/struts if damaged. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to A4.
A4: CHECK THE FRONT SPRINGS
	Check the front spring and front spring mounts/brackets for wear or damage Are the front springs or spring mounts/brackets worn or damaged? → YES Repair or Install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to A5.
A5: CHECK THE STABILIZER BAR
	Check the stabilizer bar bushings and links for damage or wear. Check the stabilizer bar for damage. Check for loose or damaged stabilizer brackets. Are the stabilizer bar/track bar components loose, worn or damaged?→ YES Repair or Install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.→ NO Suspension system is OK. Conduct diagnosis on other suspect systems.

DETAILED TEST B: REAR SUSPENSION NOISE

REAR SUSPENSION NOISE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
B1: ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE
	Test drive the vehicle. During the road test, drive the vehicle over a rough road. Determine from which area/component the noise is originating. Is there a squeak, creak or rattle noise? → YES Go to B2. → NO The suspension system is OK. Conduct a diagnosis on other suspect systems.
B2: REAR SHOCK ABSORBER/STRUT CHECK
	Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS . Check the rear shock absorber/strut mounts for loose bolts or nuts. Check the rear shock absorbers/strut for damage. Perform a shock absorber check. Are the rear shock absorbers/struts loose or damaged? → YES Tighten to specifications if loose. Install new rear shock absorbers/struts if damaged. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to B3.
B3: CHECK THE REAR SPRINGS
	Check the rear springs and rear spring mounts/brackets for wear or damage. Are the rear springs or spring mounts/brackets worn or damaged? → YES Repair or Install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to B4.
B4: CHECK THE TRAILING ARMS
	Inspect the trailing arm bushings for wear or damage. Check for loose trailing arm bolts. Inspect for twisted or bent trailing arms. Are the trailing arms loose, damaged or worn? → YES Repair or Install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Suspension system is OK. Conduct diagnosis on other suspect systems.

DETAILED TEST C: WHEEL AND TIRE

WHEEL AND TIRE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
C1: ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE
	NOTE: Wheel or tire vibrations felt in the steering wheel are most likely related to the front wheel or tire. Vibration felt through the seat are most likely related to the rear wheel or tire. This may not always be true, but it can help to isolate the problem to the front or rear of the vehicle. Test drive the vehicle at different speed ranges. During the road test, if the vibration can be eliminated by placing the vehicle in neutral or is affected by the speed of the engine, the cause is not the wheels or tires.Is there a vibration and noise?→ YES Go to C2. → NO The wheel and tires are OK. Conduct a diagnosis on other suspect systems.
C2: CHECK THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
	Check the front wheel bearings. Refer to FRONT AXLE . Are the wheel bearings OK? → YES Go to C3. → NO Inspect the wheel bearings. Adjust or Repair as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.
C3: INSPECT THE TIRES
	Check the tires for missing weights. Check the wheels for damage. Inspect the tire wear pattern. Do the tires have an abnormal wear pattern? → YES Correct the condition that caused the abnormal wear. Install new tire(s). Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to C4.
C4: TIRE ROTATION DIAGNOSIS
	Spin the tires slowly and watch for signs of lateral runout. Spin the tires slowly and watch for signs of radial runout. Are there signs of visual runout?→ YES Go to C5. → NO Check the wheel and tire balance.Correct as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.
C5: RADIAL RUNOUT CHECK ON THE TIRE
	Measure the radial runout of the wheel and tire assembly. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.15mm (0.059 inch). Is the radial runout within specifications? → YES Go to C8. → NO Go to C6.
C6: RADIAL RUNOUT CHECK ON THE WHEEL
	Measure the radial runout of the wheel. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.14mm (0.045 inch.). Is the radial runout within specifications? → YES Install a new tire. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to C7.
C7: CHECK THE HUB/BRAKE DISC OR DRUM PILOT RUNOUT OR BOLT CIRCLE RUNOUT
	Measure the pilot or bolt circle runout. A typical specification for radial runout is: pilot runout - less than 0.15mm (0.006 inch.) bolt circle runout - less than 0.38 mm (0.015 inch.) Is the radial runout within specification? → YES Install a new wheel. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Repair or Install new components as necessary.
C8: LATERAL RUNOUT CHECK ON THE TIRE
	Measure the lateral runout of the wheel and tire assembly. A typical specification for total lateral runout is 2.5mm (0.098 inch). Is the lateral runout within specifications? → YES Wheel and tires are OK. Conduct diagnosis on other suspect systems. → NO Go to C9.
C9: LATERAL RUNOUT CHECK ON THE WHEEL
	Measure the lateral runout of the wheel. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.2mm (0.047 inch.) Is the lateral runout within specifications? → YES Install a new tire. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to C10.
C10: CHECK THE FLANGE FACE LATERAL RUNOUT
	Measure the flange face lateral runout. A typical specification for lateral runout is: hub/brake disc - less than 0.13mm (0.005 inch) Is the lateral runout within specifications? → YES Install a new wheel. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Repair or Install new components as necessary.

DETAILED TEST D:

DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
D1: CHECK FOR FRONT WHEEL BEARING ROUGHNESS
	Raise and support the front end of the vehicle so that the front wheel and tire assemblies can spin. Refer to LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS . Spin the front tires by hand. Do the wheel bearings feel rough? → YES Inspect the wheel bearings. Repair as necessary. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to D2.
D2: CHECK THE END PLAY OF THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
	Check the end play of the front wheel bearings. Is the end play OK? → YES Go to D3. → NO Adjust or Repair as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.
D3: MEASURE THE LATERAL RUNOUT AND THE RADIAL RUNOUT OF THE FRONT WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE
	Measure the lateral runout and the radial runout of the front wheels on the vehicle. Go to WHEEL AND TIRE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION . Are the measurements within specifications? → YES Go to D4. → NO Install new wheels as necessary and Balance the assembly. Test the system for normal operation.
D4: MEASURE THE LATERAL RUNOUT OF THE FRONT TIRES ON THE VEHICLE
	Measure the lateral runout of the front tires on the vehicle. Go to WHEEL AND TIRE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION . Is the runout within specifications? → YES Go to D5. → NO Install new tires as necessary and Balance the assembly. Test the system for normal operation.
D5: MEASURE THE RADIAL RUNOUT OF THE FRONT TIRES ON THE VEHICLE
	Measure the radial runout of the front tires on the vehicle. Go to WHEEL AND TIRE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION . Is the runout within specifications? → YES Balance the front wheel and tire assemblies. If any tire cannot be balanced, Install a new tire. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to D6.
D6: MATCH MOUNT THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
	Mark the high runout location on the tire and also on the wheel. Break the assembly down and rotate the tire 180 degrees (halfway around) on the wheel. Inflate the tire and measure the radial runout. Is the runout within specifications? → YES Balance the assembly. Test the system for normal operation. → NO If the high spot is not within 101.6mm (4 inches) of the first high spot on the tire, Go to D7.
D7: MEASURE THE WHEEL FLANGE RUNOUT
	Dismount the tire and mount the wheel on a wheel balancer. Measure the runout on both wheel flanges. Go to WHEEL AND TIRE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION . Is the runout within specifications? → YES Locate and Mark the low spot on the wheel. Install the tire, matching the high spot on the tire with the low spot on the wheel. Balance the assembly. Test the system for normal operation. If the condition persists, Go to D8. → NO Install a new wheel. Check the runout on the new wheel. If the new wheel is within limits, locate and Mark the low spot. Install the tire, matching the high spot on the tire with the low spot on the wheel. Balance the assembly. Test the system for normal operation. If the condition persists, Go to D8.
D8: CHECK FOR VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE
	Spin the front wheel and tire assemblies with a wheel balancer while the vehicle is raised on a hoist. Feel for vibration in the front fender or while seated in the vehicle. Is the vibration present? → YES Substitute known good wheel and tire assemblies as necessary. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Check the driveline components. Test the system for normal operation.

DETAILED TEST E: DRIFT LEFT OR RIGHT

DRIFT LEFT OR RIGHT - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
E1: CHECK THE TIRES
	Inspect the tires for excessive wear or damage. Are the tires excessively worn or damaged? → YES Install new tires. → NO Go to E2.
E2: CHECK THE STEERING LINKAGE
	Raise and support the vehicle. Check the steering components for indications of excessive wear or damage. See SPECIFICATION . Is there an indication of excessive wear or damage? → YES Repair or Install new components as necessary. → NO Go to E3.
E3: CHECK THE VEHICLE ALIGNMENT
	Place the vehicle on an alignment rack. Check the vehicle alignment. Is the alignment within specification? → YES Go to E4. → NO Adjust the alignment as necessary.
E4: BRAKE DRAG DIAGNOSIS
	Apply the brakes while driving. Does drift or pull occur when the brakes are applied? → YES See SPECIFICATION . → NO If the steering wheel is in the center, the vehicle is OK. If the steering wheel is off-center, Go to STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER - DETAILED TEST CONDITION . .

DETAILED TEST F: STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER

STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
F1: CHECK THE CLEAR VISION
	Place the vehicle on an alignment rack. Is the clear vision within specification? → YES Go to F2. → NO Adjust the clear vision to specification.
F2: INSPECT THE STEERING COMPONENTS
	Raise and support the vehicle. Inspect the steering components for excessive wear or damage. See SPECIFICATION .Are the steering components excessively worn or damaged?→ YES Repair or Install new components as necessary.→ NO If it tracks correctly, vehicle is OK.If it tracks incorrectly, Go to TRACKS INCORRECTLY - DETAILED TEST CONDITION .

DETAILED TEST G: TRACKS INCORRECTLY

TRACKS INCORRECTLY - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
G1: CHECK THE CASTER
	Place the vehicle on an alignment rack. Is the caster within specification? → YES Go to G2. → NO Replace bent or damaged parts.
G2: CHECK THE REAR SUSPENSION
	Measure the vehicle wheel base for LH and RH. Compare the measurements. Are the measurements the same?→ YES If the ride is smooth, vehicle is OK.If the ride is rough, Go to ROUGH RIDE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION .→ NO Inspect the rear suspension components for wear or damage.Repair or Install new components as necessary.

DETAILED TEST H: ROUGH RIDE

ROUGH RIDE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
H1: CHECK THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
	Raise support the vehicle. Inspect the front shock absorber for oil leaks or damage. Are the tires excessively worn or damaged?→ YES Install new front shock absorbers.→ NO Go to H2.
H2: CHECK THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS
	Inspect the rear shock absorbers for oil leaks or damage. Are the rear shock absorbers leaking? → YES Install new rear shock absorbers. → NO The vehicle is OK. Go to TROUBLESHOOTING .

DETAILED TEST I: EXCESSIVE NOISE

EXCESSIVE NOISE - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
I1: INSPECT THE SUSPENSION
	Raise and support the vehicle. Inspect the shock absorber mounting bolts. Are the mounting bolts loose or broken?→ YES Tighten or Install new shock absorber mounting bolts.→ NO Go to I2.
I2: INSPECT THE SPRING AND TORSION BARS
	Inspect the springs and stabilizer bars for damage. Are the spring or stabilizer bars damaged? → YES Install new spring and/or stabilizer bars. → NO Go to I3.
I3: INSPECT THE FRONT SUSPENSION
	Inspect the front suspension components for excessive wear or damage. Are the front suspension components worn or damaged? → YES Install new front suspension components. → NO The vehicle is OK. Go to TROUBLESHOOTING .

DETAILED TEST J: INCORRECT TIRE WEAR

INCORRECT TIRE WEAR - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
J1: INSPECT THE TIRES
	Raise and support the vehicle. Inspect the tires for uneven wear on the inner or outer shoulder. Is there uneven tire wear? → YES Align the vehicle. Install new tires if badly worn. → NO Go to J2.
J2: UNEVEN TIRE WEAR
	Inspect the tires for a feathering pattern. Do the tires have a feathering pattern? → YES Align the vehicle. Install new tires if badly worn. → NO Go to J3.
J3: CHECK FOR CUPPED TIRE
	Inspect the tires for cupping or dishing. Are the tires cupped or dished? → YES Balance and Rotate the tires. → NO The vehicle is OK. Go to TROUBLESHOOTING .

DETAILED TEST K: VIBRATION

VIBRATION - DETAILED TEST CONDITION

CONDITIONS	DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
K1: ROAD TEST
	Accelerate the vehicle to the speed at which the customer indicated the vibration occurred. Is the vibration present? → YES Go to K2. → NO The vehicle is OK. Go to TROUBLESHOOTING .
K2: INSPECT THE TIRES
	Raise and support the vehicle with a frame contact hoist. Inspect the tires for extreme wear or damage, cupping, or flat spots. Are the tires OK?→ YES Go to K3. → NO Check the suspension components for misalignment, abnormal wear, or damage that may have contributed to the tire wear.Correct the suspension concerns and Install new tires.
K3: INSPECT THE WHEEL BEARINGS
	Spin the tires by hand to check for wheel bearing roughness. Is the front wheel bearing OK? → YES Go to K4. → NO Install new front wheel bearings as necessary. See FRONT AXLE .
K4: TIRE/WHEEL BALANCE
	Check the tire/wheel balance. Are the tires balanced? → YES Go to K5. → NO Balance the tires and wheels as necessary.
K5: MEASURE THE RUNOUTS
	For each wheel position measure, locate and mark the following items. High point of the tire/wheel assembly total radial runout High point of the wheel radial runout High point of the wheel lateral runout Are the runouts as specified? → YES Go to K7. → NO Go to K6.
K6: SUBSTITUTE THE WHEELS AND TIRE
	Substitute a known good set of wheels and tires. Perform a road test. If the vehicle still exhibits a shake or vibration, note the vehicle speed and/or engine RPM which it occurs. Is the vibration felt? → YES Engine/transmission imbalance. Refer to ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY . → NO Install the original tire/wheel assemblies one by one, Road testing at each step until the damaged tire(s)/wheel(s) as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.

Wheel/tire noise, vibration and harshness concerns are directly related to vehicle speed and are not generally affected by acceleration, coasting or decelerating. Also, out-of-balance wheel and tires can vibrate at more than one speed. A vibration that is affected by the engine RPM, or is eliminated by placing the transmission in Neutral is not related to the tire and wheel. As a general rule, tire and wheel vibrations felt in the steering wheel are related to the front tire and wheel assemblies.

Vibrations felt in the seat or floor are related to the rear tire and wheel assemblies. This can initially isolate a concern to the front or rear.

Careful attention must be paid to the tire and wheels. There are several symptoms that can be caused by damaged or worn tire and wheels. Perform a careful visual inspection of the tires and wheel assemblies. Spin the tires slowly and watch for signs of lateral or radial runout. Refer to WHEEL AND TIRE DIAGNOSIS to determine the tire wear conditions and actions

WHEEL AND TIRE DIAGNOSIS

WHEEL AND TIRE DIAGNOSIS
Rapid wear at the center	Rapid wear at both shoulders	Wear at one shoulder

Center-tread down to fabric due to excessive over inflated tires Lack of rotation Excessive toe on drive wheels Heavy acceleration on drive	Under-inflated tires Worn suspension components Excessive cornering speeds Lack of rotation	Toe adjustment out of specification Camber out of specification Damaged strut Damaged lower arm
Partial wear	Feathered edge	Wear pattern

Caused by irregular burrs on brake drums	Toe adjustment out of specification Damaged or worn tie rods Damaged knuckle	Excessive toe on non-drive wheels Lack of rotation