For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the front of the vehicle that is induced by vehicle speed or driving terrain as related to the front suspension.
1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2 | Important: Compare this vehicle to an identical vehicle in order to determine if the customer's concern is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle. Attempt to duplicate the noise. Road test the vehicle. Is the front suspension noisy? | Go to Step 3 | System OK
3 |

1. Set the marking break.
2. Turn the ignition OFF.
3. Bounce the front of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Is the noise present?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4 |

1. Bounce the front of the vehicle. Use a stethoscope in order to locate the source of the noise.
2. Repair or replace the suspect component(s) as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 24

--

5 |

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Inspect all of the front suspension components for any damage.

Are any components damaged?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6 | Repair any damaged components. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 24 | --
7 |

1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Correct the tire inflation pressure as necessary.
2. Inspect the tires for unusual wear. Refer to Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear in Tires and Wheels.

Does either tire exhibit unusual tread wear?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

8 |

1. Rotate the tires. Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Is the noise now emitted from the rear of the vehicle?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9 | Replace the tires that are causing the noise. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 24 | --
10 | Ensure that the steering linkage is lubricated, if applicable. Lubricate/replace as necessary. Did you service any components? | Go to Step 24 | Go to Step 11
11 | Ensure that all of the wheel nuts are tightened to the correct specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tires and Wheels. Did you tighten any wheel nuts? | Go to Step 24 | Go to Step 12
12 | Use your hands in order to push and pull the shock. Is the shock loose? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 15
13 |

1. Inspect the shock fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension.
2. Push and pull the shock.

Is the shock loose?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 24

14 | Replace the loose or worn shock components. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 24 | --
15 | Use your hands in order to push and pull on the stabilizer shaft. Is the stabilizer shaft loose? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 19
16 |

1. Inspect all of the stabilizer shaft fasteners. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the stabilizer shaft.

Is the stabilizer shaft loose?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 24

17 | Observe the location of the stabilizer shaft looseness. Is the looseness observed at the stabilizer shaft links? | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 19
18 | Replace the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 24 | --
19 | Inspect the steering knuckle and king pins for looseness or movement. Is any looseness or movement observed? | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 22
20 |

1. Inspect the steering knuckle and king pin fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension. Tighten as necessary.
2. Inspect the steering knuckle and king pins for looseness.

Is the steering knuckle and pin loose?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 24

21 | Replace any worn or loose king pin bushings. Refer to King Pin Bushing and Bearing Cup Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 24 | --
22 | Inspect the front wheel bearings for wear or noise. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis . Does either wheel bearing exhibit wear or noise? | Go to Step 23 | Go to Step 8
23 | Replace the wheel bearing(s). Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 24 | --
24 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3