Steering & Suspension Inspection

Why 10-year-old cars need new control arm bushings before another alignment. Cracked rubber causes camber change and rapid tire wear. What to inspect before paying for an alignment.

DIY steering gearbox adjustment for old RWD trucks and vans. Remove play at the steering wheel by turning the top adjuster screw 1/8 turn at a time. 15-minute fix.

How to inspect CV joint boots on a 10-year-old car. Catch torn boots early for a $50 fix. Don't wait for the clicking sound that means a $500 new axle.

Step-by-step steering and suspension inspection for 10-year-old sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Civic. Check tie rods, rack boots, sway bar links and power steering hoses.

How to measure suspension sag on a 10-year-old car. Compare fender-to-ground measurements to factory spec. Know when old springs need replacement.

Front-end inspection guide for high-mileage Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado trucks at 150,000+ miles. Check idler arm, pitman arm, ball joints, tie rods and gearbox play.

Kingpin inspection for 5-year-old heavy-duty commercial trucks. Check play, thrust bearing wear and tire cupping on Freightliner, International and Ford F-650.

15-minute test drive checklist for used car buyers. Spot steering play, vibration, clunks, uneven tire wear and hidden suspension damage before you buy.

5-minute auction inspection for used car buyers. Spot worn struts, sagging springs, uneven tires and hidden rust before you bid. No lift needed.