Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
31 00... Instructions (damage to suspension)
Substandard roadholding, atypical noises, tires worn on one side, camber and toe-in values which deviate from nominal value and mis-shaped components are all indicators of damage to the suspension caused by road traffic accidents or similar impacts.
To repair vehicle correctly, depending on condition of vehicle, perform the following troubleshooting procedure:
Also comply with the guidelines for repairs to the power steering gear necessitated by an accident.
Troubleshooting:
| Work step | Note: |
| Lift engine hood into assembly position. | After removing transmission, secure engine against tilting. |
| Secure engine in installation position with special tool. | |
| Remove gearbox. | |
| Remove intake filter housing. | |
| Remove radiator. | |
| Remove radiator lines. | |
| Remove expansion tank. | |
| Remove intake air manifold. | |
| Remove heater radiator line. | |
| Unlock engine wiring harness section on control unit and detach. | Wiring harness remains on engine. |
| Unlock spark plug wiring harness section on control unit and detach. | Wiring harness remains on engine. |
| Release negative lead on spring strut dome. | |
| Release battery positive lead at positive terminal. | |
| Detach vacuum line and vacuum hose from vacuum pump. | |
| Unlock line on tank venting valve and disconnect. | |
| Remove both oxygen monitor sensors. | |
| Remove both oxygen control sensors. | |
| Release negative lead on engine support arm. | |
| Remove vibration damper and tensioning pulley from A/C compressor drive belt. | |
| Release power steering pump on bracket, hydraulic lines remain connected. | Do not remove power steering pump, secure against falling down. |
| Release A/C compressor on bracket, lines remain connected, do not evacuate A/C system. | Do not remove A/C compressor, secure against falling down. |
| Release ABS control unit on bracket, lines remain connected. | Do not remove ABS control unit, secure against falling down. |
| Remove lower universal joint of steering spindle. |
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.