Symptom Chart: Suspension System
Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods .
NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with Lane Departure Warning System. The system must be turned OFF before beginning diagnosis.
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle drifts/pulls | Refer to the Diagnostic Routine. | GO to Pinpoint Test A |
| Wander | Overloaded, unevenly or incorrectly loaded vehicle | NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading. |
| Ball joint(s) | CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. Refer to Ball Joint Inspection . INSTALL new control arm(s) as necessary. REFER to: Lower Arm . | |
| Damaged or missing front strut mount bearing(s) | INSTALL a new front strut mount bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . | |
| Loose, worn or damaged front wheel bearing(s) | INSPECT the wheel bearings. INSTALL new wheel bearings as necessary. REFER to: Wheel Knuckle . | |
| Loose, worn or damaged suspension component(s) | INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary. | |
| Loose suspension fasteners | INSPECT the suspension fasteners. TIGHTEN to specifications. | |
| Steering components | INSPECT the steering system. INSTALL new components as necessary. | |
| Wheel alignment (excessive total front toe out) | ADJUST as necessary. REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment . | |
| Front bottoming or riding low | Worn, damaged or incorrect springs | MEASURE the ride height. REFER to: Ride Height Measurement . INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . |
| Worn front strut(s) | INSTALL new struts as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . | |
| Abnormal/incorrect tire wear | Incorrect tire pressure (rapid center rib or inner and outer edge wear) | ADJUST the tire pressure. REFER to VC label. |
| Incorrect tire rotation intervals | REFER to Owners Literature for correct tire rotation intervals. | |
| High-speed cornering Excessive front or rear toe (inner or outer edge wear) Excessive negative or positive camber (inner or outer edge wear) |
REFER to: Wheels and Tires . | |
| Front or rear suspension components | INSPECT the front and rear suspension system. REPAIR or INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. | |
| Sticky steering, poor returnability | Damaged or worn front strut mount bearing(s) | INSTALL a new front strut mount bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . |
| Binding ball joints | CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. Refer to Ball Joint Inspection . INSTALL new control arm(s) as necessary. REFER to: Lower Arm . | |
| Steering components | INSPECT the steering system. INSTALL new components as necessary. Symptom Chart(s) REFER to: Power Steering . | |
| Steering wheel off-center | Unequal front or rear toe setting (side-to-side) | CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment . |
| Steering components | INSPECT the steering system. INSTALL new components as necessary. | |
| Sway or roll | Overloaded, unevenly or incorrectly loaded vehicle | NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading. |
| Loose wheel nut(s) | TIGHTEN the wheel nut(s) to specification. REFER to: Wheel and Tire . | |
| Strut(s) or shock absorber(s) | INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber . | |
| Loose stabilizer bracket-to-frame bolts | TIGHTEN the bolts to specification. REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar . | |
| Worn stabilizer bar bushings or links | INSTALL new stabilizer bar bushings or links as necessary. REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar . | |
| Damaged or broken stabilizer bar | INSTALL a new stabilizer bar as necessary. REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar . | |
| Worn spring(s) | INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . REFER to: Rear Spring . | |
| Vehicle leans to one side | Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle | NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading. |
| Front or rear suspension components | INSPECT the front and rear suspension systems. INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. | |
| Incorrect drive axle(s) ride height. Side-to-side lean out of specification | MEASURE the ride height. REFER to: Ride Height Measurement . INSPECT the front and rear suspension systems. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary |
- If an obvious cause for an observed or reported condition is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
- If the fault is not visually evident, REFER to Symptom Chart or REFER to Symptom Chart: NVH. Refer to Symptom Charts .