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.
32 00 Troubleshooting On Front Axle (After Wheel/Chassis Alignment Check On Front Axle)
Substandard roadholding, atypical noises, tires worn on one side and toe-in/camber values which deviate from the nominal value are all indicators of damage to the suspension caused by road traffic accidents or similar impacts.
To carry out proper repairs, you must follow the procedure set out in the troubleshooting table below depending on the condition of the vehicle in question.
Also comply with the guidelines for repairs to the power steering gear necessitated by an accident.
| Fault | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Toe Deviation | Tie Rod End Worn | Replace Tie Rod End |
| Tie Rod Bent | Replace Tie Rod | |
| Rubber Mount Or Ball Joint Of Control Arm Faulty | Replace Control Arms | |
| Rubber Mount Or Ball Joint/Guide Joint Of Tension Strut Faulty | Replace Rubber Mount Or Guide Joint/Both Tension Struts | |
| Camber Deviation | Rubber Mount Or Ball Joint Of Control Arm Fault | Replace Control Arms |
| Control Arm Deformed | Replace Control Arms | |
| Rubber mount or ball joint/guide joint of tension strut faulty | Replace rubber mount or guide joint/both tension struts | |
| Tension strut deformed | Replace both tension struts | |
| Spring strut/piston rod of shock absorber deformed | Replace front spring strut | |
| Ride height between driver's and passenger sides different | Check load, correct if necessary, replace coil spring | |
| Front axle carrier deformed | Replace front axle carrier | |
| Caster deviation. Note that caster is defined by design and cannot be adjusted | Rubber mount or ball joint of control arm faulty | Replace control arms |
| Control arm deformed | Replace control arms | |
| Rubber mount or ball joint/guide joint of tension strut faulty | Replace rubber mount or guide joint/both tension struts | |
| Tension strut deformed | Replace both tension struts | |
| Spring strut/piston rod of shock absorber deformed | Replace front spring strut | |
| Front axle carrier deformed | Replace front axle carrier | |
| Ride height between driver's and passenger sides different | Check load, correct if necessary. Air spring strut: Carry out ride-height-calibration. Check coil springs, replace if necessary | |
| Toe-difference angle deviation Prerequisite: camber and caster are correct | Angle deviation Prerequisite: camber and caster are correct, Tie rods not adjusted uniformly | Adjust toe on left and right sides to same value |
| Wheel-offset deviation Prerequisite: front wheels have equal single toe to geometrical axis | Front axle carrier deformed | Replace front axle carrier |
| Control arm deformed | Replace control arms | |
| Tension strut deformed | Replace both tension struts |
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.