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The Most Common Steering and Suspension Repairs DIYers Face
If you're a hands-on auto enthusiast, chances are you like doing your own maintenance and repairs. However, when it comes to the steering and suspension systems, many DIYers find themselves in over their heads. These complex systems can cause frustrating vibrations, odd noises, steering wander, and wheel alignment issues if something is worn out or broken.
Don't despair. With some basic knowledge about common problems, the right tools, and a service manual for your specific vehicle, many steering and suspension repairs are doable at home. Here are some of the most common issues DIYers tackle in their own garages:
Worn Tie Rod Ends
The inner and outer tie rod ends connect your steering rack or box to the front wheels. If these ball joints become loose or worn out, you'll notice vague steering, difficulty keeping the vehicle straight, and clunking noises over bumps.
Leaking Power Steering Rack
Power steering racks use hydraulic pressure to reduce steering effort. But the seals inside these racks eventually wear and leak fluid. Signs include power steering fluid leaks under the vehicle, whining noises when turning, and increased steering effort.
Sloppy Ball Joints
Ball joints act as pivot points for the control arms and steering knuckles. When they get loose, you'll feel steering wander, loose steering, and clunks from the front suspension over bumps. Lower ball joints usually wear faster.
Strut or Shock Absorber Problems
Bad struts or shocks can't dampen the rebounds from bumps properly. Symptoms include bouncing after bumps, nose diving when braking, swaying around corners, and uneven tire wear. Quick strut replacement units make this repair easy.
Sway Bar Link Issues
Sway bar end links connect your anti-roll bars to the control arms or struts. If their rubber bushings perish or a link snaps, you'll get more body roll, loose handling, and clunking noises from the front or rear suspension.
As you can see, worn steering and suspension components lead to similar drivability issues. Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial before starting DIY repairs. A professional alignment check and suspension inspection can identify issues so you can plan repairs. Investing in a quality tool set designed for steering and suspension repairs will pay off in the long run.
With some mechanical know-how and enthusiasm, many weekend warriors find they can save hundreds or even thousands doing their own steering and suspension repairs. Just take things slow, follow the factory service manual, and double check all fasteners and torque specs when you're done. Your hard work will pay off in a finely tuned steering and handling you'll enjoy for years to come.
Essential Alignment Tools for DIYers
One of the best ways to restore crisp, responsive steering and improve tire wear is having a proper wheel alignment performed. While alignments require special equipment, many handy vehicle owners invest in their own alignment tools to measure, adjust, and maintain factory specifications at home between professional alignments.
Camber and Caster Tools
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the front tires from vertical. Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis. You'll need a camber and caster gauge to measure these angles. Quality examples include:
- The OTC camber/caster tool (around $65) which attaches magnetically to the wheel.
- The Astro Pneumatic digital camber/caster set (around $270) for precise measurements.
Toe Gauge Sets
Toe refers to whether the front tires point slightly inward or outward while moving straight ahead. Toe gauges measure this in fractions of an inch or degrees. Shop brands like GearWrench and OTC offer toe gauge sets for around $40.
Laser Alignment Systems
For maximum accuracy, a laser alignment system (costing $200-$1000) uses laser projectors to cast an alignment grid on the floor. You drive on and adjust the system until the laser lines align to specifications. Higher-end options connect wirelessly to tablets for real-time measurements.
Adjusters and Wrenches
Once you've measured alignment angles, you'll need the right tools to adjust them. This includes tie rod adjuster tools, ball joint separator tools, pitman arm pullers, and large suspension wrench sets.
With quality alignment tools, DIYers can set alignment specifications as accurate as professional shops, saving significant labor costs. Always refer to factory service manuals for your vehicle's proper alignment specs and adjustment procedures.
Must-Have Ball Joint Tools for DIY Replacement
Ball joints are critical pivot points in your suspension system. When they wear out, you'll feel sloppy steering, hear clunking noises when going over bumps, and may notice vehicle wandering. Replacing worn ball joints yourself requires some specialized tools.
Ball Joint Separators
A ball joint separator is threaded between the control arm and steering knuckle to safely separate the tapered stud from the knuckle without damaging either part. Pittman, OTC and GearWrench make solid ball joint separator sets under $50.
Ball Joint Presses
To press out the old ball joint from the control arm and press in the new one, a ball joint press with the proper adapters is needed. Shop press kits like the OTC ball joint service kit (around $230) are ideal.
Pickle Forks
Pickle forks are large two-pronged fork tools made to separate ball joints with the force of hammer blows. A 36" oversized pickle fork provides extra separating force for stuck, rusty ball joints.
Ball Joint Removal Tools
Specialized ball joint removal tools are made for certain vehicles where traditional separators won't work. For GM trucks, the larger diameter GMC ball joint tool fits their oversized ball joints.
Dust Boot Clamps
New replacement ball joints come with fresh dust boots. Use a set of dust boot clamps to securely fasten the new boot during installation.
With this selection of ball joint tools, DIYers can safely replace worn suspensions ball joints and adjustable tie rod ends. Just be sure to get a service manual for the proper replacement procedure.
Tie Rod Tool Essentials for the DIY Mechanic
Tie rods connect your steering system to the front wheels. If their ends get loose or worn out, you'll feel wandering, vagueness, and hear clunking from the front end over bumps. With the right tie rod tools, you can replace ends and adjust toe alignment yourself.
Tie Rod Separators
A tie rod separator splits the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using force from hammer blows. Sturdy shop-grade separators with long handles provide excellent leverage for stuck ends.
Pickle Forks
Oversized pickle forks are also useful for breaking tie rod ends loose from knuckles when separators can't get enough force. Use with heavy hammer blows.
Tie Rod Pullers
Once split from the knuckle, old tie rod ends can be stubborn to remove entirely from the tie rod. A tie rod puller with "jaws" clamps over the end and uses a slide hammer action to yank it off the threads.
Thread Chasers
Chase the threads on the tie rod clean after removing the old end. Thread chasers clean up rust, burrs and debris so the new end can thread on smoothly.
Re-threaders
If the existing tie rod is too damaged, a tie rod end re-threader can cut fresh threads so you can install a replacement rod.
With these fundamental tie rod tools, DIYers can perform replacements for worn ends and get the front toe alignment back into spec. Just be cautious when separating tie rod ends to not damage any brake lines or ABS sensors in the area.
Pitman Arm and Steering Wheel Pullers
The pitman arm connects the steering gearbox to the center link, transmitting your steering motions to the front wheels. Steering wheels need to be removed to access internal components like airbags and locks. Special tools are required to remove these parts without damage.
Pitman Arm Pullers
Pitman arms are held on by a tapered spline and pressure-fit with extreme force. Pitman arm pullers use hydraulic or mechanical force to pop the arm off without harming the steering box.
- Two- and three-jaw gear pullers with long handles provide tons of mechanical force.
- Hydraulic pitman arm pullers generate 10 tons or more of force.
Steering Wheel Pullers
Steering wheel pullers attach to the wheel using screw-drives or spring-loaded claws. When you turn the puller bolt, it applies concentrated force behind the wheel to pop it off the splined shaft.
Other Helpful Tools
- Use a steering wheel lock plate compressor to compress the locking plate on GM and Chrysler vehicles when servicing the steering column.
- A steering wheel lock plate removal tool pivots the lock plate out of the way so you can remove the wheel.
With the right pitman arm and steering wheel puller tools, you can avoid costly damage when you need to remove these parts for service. Invest in quality tools, work slowly, and take safety precautions like disabling the airbag system.
How Amazon Prime Benefits DIY Mechanics
For auto enthusiasts who take on their own front end repairs, having access to quality steering and suspension tools is a must. An Amazon Prime membership provides significant benefits when regularly buying specialty automotive tools online.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the biggest perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on most products. When you need certain tools quickly for upcoming repairs, you can order them and receive them at your door in just a couple days without paying extra shipping fees.
Free One-Day and Same-Day Delivery
For Prime members, Amazon offers free one-day shipping on over 3 million items. This expedited delivery is useful when you need a specialty tool ASAP. Amazon also provides free same-day delivery in some areas on certain tools in stock at local warehouses.
Access to Exclusive Tools
Some automotive tools and brands are only available to Prime members. Brands like AmazonBasics offer shop-quality tools at affordable prices exclusively for Prime subscribers. This access expands your selection of DIY repair tools.
Tools Guarantee
Amazon Prime's tools guarantee gives members 30 days to return any eligible hand tool for a full refund if unsatisfied. This allows you to try out new steering and suspension tools to ensure they work for your vehicle with minimal risk.
For serious DIY mechanics, the savings on rapid tool shipments and other Prime benefits easily offset the $139 annual membership cost. And you also get access to Prime Video, music streaming, Kindle books, and more. Sign up today to make your next tool purchase easier.
How To Diagnose Steering And Suspension Problems In Your Car?
Diagnosing steering and suspension problems in your car can be challenging, but there are several common signs to look out for. Here are some of the most common signs of suspension problems:
To diagnose these problems, you can take your car for a test drive. With weight off the suspension, check each part for looseness, excessive play, damage, cracks, broken boots, or any other clues. You can also inspect the outside of your suspension system. If you believe you have located your concern to be with one or more components, you can have your tires and suspension visually checked by a mechanic.
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What Are Some Common Causes Of Steering And Suspension Problems??
There are several common causes of steering and suspension problems in a car. Here are some of the most common causes:
It is important to regularly inspect and maintain your car's suspension system to prevent these issues from occurring.
