Symptom Chart - Suspension System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM CHART - SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Incorrect thrust angle (dogtracking)	Rear suspension components	INSPECT the rear suspension system. CHECK the rear alignment for the correct thrust angle. REPAIR or INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
Drift/pull	Tire pressure Tire forces Caster total split is not within specification Camber total split is not within specification Brake drag Steering components Unevenly loaded vehicle	GO to Pinpoint Test A .
Front bottoming or riding low	Spring(s)	CHECK the front ride height. REFER to Ride Height Measurement . INSTALL new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) or FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) for the appropriate procedure.
Front bottoming or riding low	Front shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new front shock absorber(s) as necessary. Refer to the FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) or FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) for the appropriate procedure.
Rear bottoming or riding low	Rear spring(s)	CHECK the rear ride height. REFER to Ride Height Measurement . INSTALL new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the REAR SUSPENSION for the appropriate procedure.
Rear bottoming or riding low	Rear shock absorbers	INSTALL new rear shock absorbers. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
Incorrect/abnormal tire wear	Underinflated tires Incorrect wheel alignment Incorrect wheel and tire assembly rotation intervals Excessive high speed cornering	REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES for tire wear diagnosis.
Sticky steering, poor returnability	Front caster angle	CHECK the front caster and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to Camber and Caster Adjustment - F250 and F350 Four Wheel Drive (4WD), F450, F550 or Camber and Caster Adjustment - F250 and F350 Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) .
	Steering components	REFER to STEERING SYSTEM for steering system diagnosis.
	Ball joints	INSPECT the front ball joints. REFER to the Ball Joint Inspection Component Test. INSTALL new ball joints as necessary.
Steering wheel off center	Unequal (side-to-side) front toe	CHECK the front toe and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to Toe Adjustment - F250 and F350 Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) or Toe Adjustment - F250 and F350 Four Wheel Drive (4WD), F450, F550 .
Steering wheel off center	Steering components	REFER to STEERING SYSTEM for steering system diagnosis.
Sway or roll	Overloaded, unevenly or incorrectly loaded vehicle	NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
	Loose wheel nut(s)	TIGHTEN to specification. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES .
	Shock absorber(s)	INSPECT the shock absorbers. INSTALL new shock absorber(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate service information for the procedure.
	Loose or worn stabilizer bar, links or bushings	INSPECT the stabilizer bar assemblies. TIGHTEN to specification or INSTALL new stabilizer bar components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate service information for the procedure.
	Worn spring(s)	CHECK the front and rear ride height. REFER to Ride Height Measurement . INSTALL new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) or FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) for the appropriate procedure.
Vehicle leans to one side	Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle	NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
Vehicle leans to one side	Front or rear suspension components	CHECK and ADJUST lean condition as necessary. REFER to Lean Correction .
Wander	Excessive total toe in/out	CHECK the front toe settings and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to Toe Adjustment - F250 and F350 Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) or Toe Adjustment - F250 and F350 Four Wheel Drive (4WD), F450, F550 .
	Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle	NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
	Steering components	REFER to STEERING SYSTEM for steering system diagnosis.
	Ball joint(s)	INSPECT the front ball joints. REFER to the Ball Joint Inspection Component Test. INSTALL new ball joints as necessary.
	Loose, worn or damaged front wheel bearing(s)	INSPECT the front wheel bearings. REFER to Wheel Bearing Inspection . INSTALL new wheel bearing(s) as necessary.
	Worn or damaged front suspension component(s)	INSPECT and INSTALL new front suspension component(s) as necessary. Refer to the FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) or FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) for the appropriate procedure.
	Loose suspension fasteners	TIGHTEN to specification. Refer to the appropriate service information for the procedure.