Suspension & Steering System Inspection Checklist

This comprehensive suspension and steering inspection checklist provides systematic evaluation of all chassis components to identify wear, damage, and safety concerns before they cause loss of vehicle control. Aligned with ASE A4 (Suspension & Steering) and A5 (Brakes) certification task lists, NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and OEM suspension inspection procedures. Perform this inspection at every tire rotation, alignment service, or when handling concerns are reported.

Industry: Automotive Service
Frequency: Every 12,000 miles / Per Customer Complaint
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
Role: ASE A4-Certified Technician / Master Technician
Total Items: 29
Compliance: ASE A4 Suspension & Steering Certification Standards, FMVSS 126 (Electronic Stability Control), NHTSA Vehicle Safety Inspection Guidelines, SAE J2807 Trailer Towing Standards, OEM Suspension Torque Specifications

Front Suspension Components

Inspect all front suspension components with vehicle safely raised on lift. Check for play, wear, and damage at each component.

Upper ball joints (if equipped) - no excessive play or looseness detected?
Lower ball joints - within acceptable wear limit?
Upper and lower control arm bushings intact - no cracking, separation, or metal contact?
Strut/shock absorber - no active oil leaks, not bottomed out?
Strut mount bearing smooth rotation and no clunking under load?
Sway bar end links tight with no play or worn bushings?
Sway bar frame bushings intact and properly secured?

Rear Suspension Components

Inspect rear suspension components appropriate for vehicle design - independent, solid axle, or multi-link.

Rear shocks/struts - no leaks, adequate damping, not bottomed out?
Rear control arm bushings and joints intact with no play or deterioration?
Leaf springs (if equipped) - no broken leaves, cracks, or sagging?
Rear sway bar and end links tight (if equipped)?
Trailing/radius arms tight with no bushing deterioration?
Rear tire wear even - no camber or toe wear indicating rear alignment needed?

Steering System Components

Inspect all steering linkage components from steering wheel to wheel hubs for play and wear.

Inner tie rod ends - no play when pressure applied inline with rod?
Outer tie rod ends - no play detected when shaken vertically?
Steering rack/box tight - no excessive play or binding throughout travel?
Intermediate steering shaft U-joints and couplers tight - no clunking?
Power steering hoses/lines free of leaks, cracks, and chafing?
Electric power steering (EPS) system shows no warning light or fault codes?

Wheel Bearing & Hub Inspection

Inspect wheel bearings for play, noise, and heat that indicate bearing failure. Failed wheel bearings can cause wheel separation.

Front wheel bearings free of play when shaken at 12 and 6 o'clock positions?
Rear wheel bearings free of play and spin freely without roughness?
No wheel bearing noise (growl/rumble that changes with speed) on road test?
Hub/axle nut torque checked (if accessible without disassembly)?

Alignment Need Assessment & Documentation

Assess alignment need based on inspection findings, tire wear patterns, and customer-reported handling concerns.

Wheel alignment recommended based on findings or wear patterns?
Customer-reported pull or drift addressed in inspection?
Steering wheel vibration or shimmy cause identified if reported?
All findings documented on repair order with component condition ratings?
Any safety-critical findings (ball joint failure, severe wear) communicated to customer in writing?
Photos of worn/damaged components taken to support recommendations?

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Why Use This Suspension & Steering System Inspection Checklist?

This suspension & steering system inspection checklist helps automotive service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for ase a4-certified technician / master technician professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: every 12,000 miles / per customer complaint.

Ensures compliance with ASE A4 Suspension & Steering Certification Standards, FMVSS 126 (Electronic Stability Control), NHTSA Vehicle Safety Inspection Guidelines, SAE J2807 Trailer Towing Standards, OEM Suspension Torque Specifications, UK MOT Suspension Inspection Standards, India CMVR Steering & Suspension Regulations. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Suspension & Steering System Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 5 sections: Front Suspension Components, Rear Suspension Components, Steering System Components, Wheel Bearing & Hub Inspection, Alignment Need Assessment & Documentation. It is designed for automotive service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed every 12,000 miles / per customer complaint. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Suspension & Steering System Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for ASE A4-Certified Technician / Master Technician professionals in the automotive service industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.