204-00-3 Suspension — General Information 204-00-3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (
CONTINUED
)
E1049 EN 06/2001 2002 Bantam
2. Raise and support the front of the vehicle.
Check the front
suspension ball joints and mounts for
looseness, wear and damage.
For additional information
refer to Ball Joint Lower,Inspection in this section.
Tighten all loose nuts and bolts to specification.
When parts are worn install new parts.
3. Check the steering gear mountings and tie-
rod connections for tightness. Tighten all
mountings to specification. If tie-rod ends are
worn or bent, install new parts.
4. Remove the front wheels. Check the wheels
for out-of-round and bent rims. Balance
wheel and tyre assemblies on high-speed
balancing equipment.
5. Check action of suspension units and the
condition of their attachment.
may not allow the
vehicle to settle in a
normal level position,
possibly affecting
the front wheel alignment.
Ball Joint – Lower, Inspection
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Firmly grasp the outer end of the lower
suspension arm and try to move it up and
down, watching and feeling for any
movement. Free movement will usually be
accompanied by an audible `click'. There
should be no free movement.
3. If there is any free movement install a new
4. If a new ball joint is installed it will be
necessary to check and adjust the front
wheel alignment.
Refer to General
Procedures.
Suspension Unit Checks
All vehicles are equipped with low-pressure gas
pressurized hydraulic suspension units. These
suspension units are not adjustable or refillable.
1. Oil Leak: A light film of oil (seepage) on the
upper portion of the front or rear suspension
unit is permissible and is a result of correct
suspension unit lubrication. Seepage is a
condition in which a thick film of oil may be
deposited on the suspension unit outer tube
(body) and is normally noticed due to the
collection of dust in this area. Suspension
units, which exhibit this seepage condition,
are functional units and new parts should not
be installed. Leakage is a condition in which
the entire suspension unit body is covered
with oil and the oil will drip from the
suspension unit onto the pavement.
If this condition exists:
• Make sure that fluid observed is not from
sources other than the suspension unit.
• When the unit is worn or damaged install a
new suspension unit.
2. Vehicle sag: Many new front or rear
suspension units are installed in an effort to
solve a vehicle sag concern. Suspension
units by design are hydraulic damping units
only and unlike suspension springs, do not
support any suspension loads. Therefore,
installing a new suspension unit will not
correct a vehicle sag concern.
3. NOTE: New suspension units do not need to
be installed in pairs when only one unit is
worn or damaged.
Installing new suspension units in pairs: In the
past it was recommended that new suspension
units or springs be installed in pairs if one unit
became unserviceable. Improved sealing, due to
new technology and improved manufacturing
quality checks, have added to the functional
reliability of suspension units. Installation of new
front suspension units or spring assemblies and
rear suspension units or springs in pairs is not
necessary.
Vehicle Inspection
1. Check all tyres for correct inflation pressure.
2. Check tyre condition to confirm correct front-
end alignment, tyre balance and overall tyre
condition such as separation or bulges.
3. Check the vehicle for optional suspension
equipment such as heavy-duty handling or
trailer tow suspensions. These suspensions
will have a firmer ride feeling than standard
suspensions.
4. Check vehicle attitude for evidence of
possible overload or sagging. Check luggage
compartment area of heavy objects.
5. Road test the vehicle to confirm customer
concern after performing the above steps.
A sticking or binding suspension unit
