Steering and Suspension

Items tested:

• Steering control
• Steering mechanism/system
• Power steering
• Front suspension
• Rear suspension
• Transmission shafts
• Wheel bearings
• Shock absorbers
• Wheel alignment

Before the Test

Although fixing steering and suspension problems is something best left to the experts, there are a few things you can do to check your car's condition. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your car pull to one side on a straight road?
• Does the steering feels heavy at low speed?
• Do your tyres squeal on roundabouts?
• Are there any clunks or knocks when you turn the wheel?
• If you push down on each corner of your car then release, does it take more than a couple of bounces to settle?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you may have a problem with your steering or suspension that will probably require a trip to the garage. For example, if you hear a knocking noise as you turn the wheel, this may indicate worn driveshaft joints. However, if there is a knocking noise when driving in a straight line, this may mean that the universal joint is close to total failure - this may be very expensive to fix. Any heavy rumbling sounds may mean that your wheel bearings are worn. If your car takes more a couple of bounces to settle after pushing down on each corner, then your shock absorbers will probably need replacing.

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