Diagnostic Routine

1. Question the customer to determine under which conditions the noise is most noticeable, i.e. condition of road surface, speed and gear drive and/or coast, steering to the left or the right, usual load, etc.

2. Road test, and, using the information obtained from the customer, determine if a suspension unit is responsible, and if so, which one.

3. Raise the vehicle on a suitable hoist and then raise each suspension assembly. Support each suspension assembly with a stand directly under the lower spring mounting to relieve the suspension mountings of most of the spring load. Remove the wheels.

Caution:
When supporting the suspension under the spring/shock absorber mounting always provide additional support, under the usual jacking points, as a safety precaution.

4. Check for "free play" in the upper and lower ball joints and the anti-roll bar fittings.

5. Using a pry-bar, apply pressure to the suspension aims and the lower mounting bush in the shock absorber to check for any signs of failure of the bush bonding or movement of the bush outer sleeve in the arm.





6. Using a pry-bar, carefully probe the area, indicated by arrows in Illustration 2, to check that the spring assister retaining up has not become detached from the upper mounting.

Isolated examples of this were found on vehicles prior to VIN 010565.

A detached retaining cup will not affect the suspension other than causing a noise.

7. Check all shock absorbers for oil leaks.

8. Check for excessive "end-float" in the wheel bearings which could cause a knocking sound.

9. Retest and check for noise.

10. Record any rectification work and the result of the road test.