Inspect suspension system for auto safety and stability

Safety and stability. That's what most motorists want when they get behind the steering wheel of their vehicle. They want a smooth, comfortable, stable ride with sure-footed handling and minimal body roll when cornering. And when the suspension doesn't live up to their expectations, they usually realize repairs or upgrades may be needed.

The aftermarket sells almost $600 million a year in chassis parts. But sales should be considerably higher. Why? Because many motorists don't realize that suspension parts wear out over time.

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Ball joints, tie rod ends and bushings wear out from the constant pounding mile after mile. Sharp-eyed technicians who know what to look for usually can identify parts that need to be replaced, but a typical motorist usually cannot.

When parts wear out, they obviously need to be replaced. Postponing needed repairs can be dangerous with some suspension parts. A badly worn ball joint, for example, may pull apart allowing the suspension to collapse. Tie rod ends that separate can cause a loss of steering control.

Here are some tips to determine if your vehicle is suffering from a bad suspension part:

1. Get into the car and drive. Turn the radio down and listen to the car. A roaring sound may indicate a stuck bearing or a stuck brake shoe. Rattling on a bump may result from a dry bearing or a loose suspension part. A "clunk" may be a sign of your suspension needing grease, a bad ball joint, or a bad strut.

2. Try to really "feel" the car. A vibration in your steering wheel suggests a problem in the front of the car (most likely in the steering linkage). It may be a tie rod end or a bushing in the car's control arms.

3. Once you think you know where the problem is, park the car and let it cool. Suspension parts generally are very dirty, and they can be extremely hot. Always allow the vehicle to cool down for at least four hours before attempting an inspection. If you choose to lift the vehicle, put the car on a flat surface and use the proper supports. Never rely on the jack alone to support your vehicle, and never use bricks or lumber to hold up your vehicle. Use proper jack stands. Now you can get under your vehicle in the suspect area and get to work.

4. Be sure to know at what you are looking. Many suspension parts -- and problems with them -- can be diagnosed by grabbing or rotating the part.

If you can't find anything through this basic inspection, you may need to take your car to a professional mechanic, where the proper diagnostic tools can be used. For vehicle safety, the braking, steering and suspension systems must be sound. Worn parts, especially steering and suspension parts, reduce a driver's control over the vehicle. See more at www.federalmogul.com.