Ford Escape Quiz
Chassis

Diagnosis and Testing - Suspension System

In this manual: Chassis
General Information — 26Chassis — 160Powertrain — 323Electrical — 356Body and Paint — 290
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Symptom Chart: Suspension System

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Condition Action
Wander GO to Pinpoint Test A
Front End or Low Ride GO to Pinpoint Test B
Abnormal/Improper Tire Wear GO to Pinpoint Test C
Steering Binds, Poor Returnability GO to Pinpoint Test D
Steering Wheel Off Center GO to Pinpoint Test E
Bounce or Shake GO to Pinpoint Test F
Vehicle Leans to One Side GO to Pinpoint Test G
Vehicle Drifts / Pulls GO to Pinpoint Test H
  • If the cause of the observed or recorded condition is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  • If the condition is not visually evident, REFER to the Symptom Chart or REFER to the NVH Symptom Chart.
    REFER TO: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) (100-04 Noise, Vibration and Harshness, Diagnosis and Testing).

Global Customer Symptom Codes (GCSC) Table

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).


Symptom Action
Stop/Steer/Ride > Steering/Steering Wheel > Appearance/Clear Vision > Alignment GO to Pinpoint Test E
Stop/Steer/Ride > Steering/Steering Wheel > Feel/Wander/Pull > High Speed GO to Pinpoint Test A
Stop/Steer/Ride > Steering/Steering Wheel > Feel/Wander/Pull > High Speed GO to Pinpoint Test H
Stop/Steer/Ride > Steering/Steering Wheel > Performance > Sticks/Binds GO to Pinpoint Test D
Stop/Steer/Ride > Ride Quality > Harshness/Bumps > Front GO to Pinpoint Test G
Stop/Steer/Ride > Ride Quality > Soft/Floating > Front GO to Pinpoint Test F
Stop/Steer/Ride > Wheels/Tires/Parts > Tread Performance > Appearance GO to Pinpoint Test C
Stop/Control/Drive > Noise > Front > Over Bump GO to Pinpoint Test B

Pinpoint Tests


PINPOINT TEST A: WANDER

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Sources

  • Improper Loading
  • Damaged components
  • Loose, Worn or Damaged Fasteners or Components
  • Wheel Alignment Adjustment

Visual Inspection and Pre-checks

  • Check for loose, damaged, contaminated or incorrect components.
A1 CHECK FOR SIGNS OF OVERLOADING, UNEVEN OR IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING
  • Question the customer about the vehicle loading and visually inspect the vehicle.

Are signs of overloading, uneven or improper vehicle loading present?
Yes NOTIFY the customer of improper vehicle loading.
No GO to A2
A2 CHECK THE BALL JOINTS FOR DAMAGE OR WEAR
  • RAISE the vehicle on a suitable support lift.
  • INSPECT the ball joints for damage and/or excessive wear.

Are there any signs of damage or excessive wear on the ball joints?
Yes INSTALL new components as necessary.
REFER TO: Lower Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No GO to A3
A3 CHECK THE FRONT STRUT BEARINGS
  • INSPECT the front strut bearings for damage or wear.

Are there any signs of damage or excessive wear on the front strut mount bearings?
Yes INSTALL new front strut bearings.
REFER TO: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly).
No GO to A6
A4 CHECK THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FOR LOOSENESS, DAMAGE OR WEAR
  • INSPECT the front wheel bearings.

Are there any signs of looseness, wear or damage on the front wheel bearing?
Yes INSTALL new front hub bearings.
REFER TO: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No GO to A6
A5 CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FOR LOOSENESS, WEAR OR DAMAGE
  • Inspect the front suspension components for loose mountings, wear or damage.

Are there any signs of loose mountings, wear or damage on the front suspension components?
Yes INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
No GO to A6
A6 CHECK FOR LOOSE SUSPENSION MOUNTINGS
  • ENSURE that all suspension component mountings are tightened to specification.

Are any mountings loose?
Yes TIGHTEN or REPLACE loose mountings as necessary.
No GO to A7
A7 CHECK THE STEERING COMPONENTS FOR LOOSENESS, WEAR OR DAMAGE
  • Inspect the steering system components for loose mountings, wear or damage.

Are there any signs of loose mountings, wear or damage on any steering system components?
Yes INSTALL new steering system components as necessary.
REFER TO: Power Steering Unit (211-02 Power Steering Unit, Diagnosis and Testing).
No GO to A8
A8 CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT
  • CHECK the wheel alignment.

Are the camber and toe within specification?
Yes The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent component issue.
No ADJUST the wheel alignment as necessary.
REFER TO: Front Wheel Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System, General Information, General Procedures).
PINPOINT TEST B: FRONT END OR LOW RIDE

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Sources

  • Worn, damaged or incorrect springs
  • Worn front strut(s)

Visual Inspection and Pre-checks

  • Check for loose, damaged, contaminated or incorrect components.
B1 MEASURE THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT
  • Measure the vehicle ground clearance.
    REFER TO: Ground Clearance Measurement (204-00 Suspension System, General Information, General Procedures).

Is the ride height within specification?
Yes GO to B2
No INSTALL new springs as necessary.
REFER TO: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
B2 CHECK THE FRONT STRUTS FOR DAMAGE OR WEAR
  • Inspect the front struts for excessive wear or damage.

Are there any signs of excessive wear or damage on the front struts?
Yes INSTALL new struts as necessary.
REFER TO: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent component issue.
PINPOINT TEST C: ABNORMAL/IMPROPER TIRE WEAR

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Precautions – Overview (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Description and Operation).

Possible Sources

  • Incorrect tire pressure
  • Incorrect tire rotation intervals
  • Wheel Alignment Adjustment
  • Suspension Components
C1 CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE
  • ENSURE the tire pressure is within specification.
    REFER TO: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Diagnosis and Testing).

Is the tire pressure within specification?
Yes GO to C2
No ADJUST the tire pressure to specification. REFER TO the VC label.
C2 ENSURE THE TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED AT THE RECOMMENDED INTERVALS
  • Ensure the tires have been rotated at the recommended intervals.

Have the tires been rotated at the correct intervals?
Yes GO to C3
No For the correct tire rotation intervals, refer to the Owner's Literature.
C3 CHECK THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT
  • ENSURE the front and rear wheel alignment angles are within specification.

Are the caster, camber and toe within specification?
Yes GO TO C4
No ADJUST the caster, camber and toe to the recommended specification.
REFER TO: Front Wheel Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System, General Information, General Procedures).
REFER TO: Rear Wheel Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System, General Information, General Procedures).
.
C4 CHECK FOR LOOSE, WORN OR DAMAGED SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
  • INSPECT the front and rear suspension components for signs of damage or excessive wear.

Are there any signs of damage or wear on the front or rear suspension components?
Yes REPAIR or INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
REFER TO: Front Suspension (204-01 Front Suspension, Diagnosis and Testing).
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent component issue.
PINPOINT TEST D: STEERING BINDS, POOR RETURNABILITY

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Sources

  • Strut mount bearings
  • Ball joints
  • Loose or damaged components
D1 CHECK THE FRONT STRUT BEARINGS
  • INSPECT the front strut bearings for damage or wear.

Are there any signs of damage or excessive wear on the front strut mount bearings?
Yes INSTALL new front strut mount bearings.
REFER TO: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No GO to D2
D2 CHECK THE BALL JOINTS
  • PERFORM the ball joint check.
    REFER TO: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System, General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

Are there any signs of damage or excessive wear on the ball joints?
Yes INSTALL new suspension arms as necessary.
REFER TO: Lower Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No GO to D3
D3 CHECK THE STEERING COMPONENTS FOR LOOSENESS, WEAR OR DAMAGE
  • Inspect the steering system components for loose mountings, wear or damage.

Are there any signs of loose mountings, wear or damage on any steering system components?
Yes INSTALL new steering system components as necessary.
REFER TO: Power Steering Unit (211-02 Power Steering Unit, Diagnosis and Testing).
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent component issue.
PINPOINT TEST E: STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Sources

  • Wheel Alignment Adjustment
  • Steering components
E1 CHECK THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BALANCE
  • ENSURE the front and rear wheel alignment angles are within specification.

Are the caster, camber and toe within specification?
Yes GO to E2
No ADJUST the caster, camber and toe to the recommended specifications.
REFER TO: Front Wheel Alignment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
REFER TO: Rear Wheel Alignment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
E2 INSPECT THE STEERING COMPONENTS FOR DAMAGE, WEAR OR FAULTS
  • Inspect the steering system components for loose mountings, wear or damage.

Are there any signs of loose mountings, wear or damage on any steering system components?
Yes INSTALL new steering system components as necessary.
REFER TO: Power Steering Unit (211-02 Power Steering Unit, Diagnosis and Testing).
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent component issue.
PINPOINT TEST F: BOUNCE OR SHAKE

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Sources

  • Incorrect vehicle loading
  • Loose wheel nuts
  • Struts or shock absorbers
  • Accessory
  • Worn stabilizer bar bushings or links
  • Damaged or broken stabilizer bar
  • Worn springs
F1 CHECK FOR SIGNS OF OVERLOADING, UNEVEN OR INCORRECT VEHICLE LOADING
  • Question the customer about the vehicle loading and visually inspect the vehicle.

Are signs of overloading, uneven or improper vehicle loading present?
Yes NOTIFY the customer of improper vehicle loading.
No GO to F2
F2 CHECK THE WHEEL NUTS
  • CHECK the wheel nuts for correct torque.

Are the wheel nuts loose?
Yes TIGHTEN the wheel nuts to specification.
REFER TO: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
No GO to F3
F3 CHECK THE STRUTS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS
  • CHECK the struts and shock absorbers for leakage, damage or excessive wear.

Are there signs of leakage, damage or excessive wear on the struts or shock absorbers?
Yes INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary.
REFER TO: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
REFER TO: Rear Shock Absorber (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No GO to F4
F4 CHECK THE STABILIZER BAR BRACKET-TO-FRAME BOLTS
  • CHECK that the stabilizer bar bracket-to-frame bolts are tightened correctly.

Are all fasteners tightened to specification?
Yes GO to F5
No TIGHTEN the stabilizer bar bracket-to-frame bolts to specification.
REFER TO: Front Stabilizer Bar (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
F5 CHECK THE STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS AND LINKS FOR DAMAGE OR EXCESSIVE WEAR
  • CHECK the stabilizer bar bushings and links for damage or excessive wear.

Are there signs of damage or excessive wear on the bushings or links?
Yes INSTALL new stabilizer bar bushings or links as necessary.
REFER TO: Front Stabilizer Bar Link (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No GO to F6
F6 CHECK THE STABILIZER BAR
  • CHECK the stabilizer bar.

Is the stabilizer bar damaged or broken?
Yes INSTALL a new stabilizer bar.
REFER TO: Front Stabilizer Bar (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No GO to F7
F7 CHECK THE SPRINGS FOR DAMAGE OR EXCESSIVE WEAR
  • CHECK the springs for damage or excessive wear.

Are the springs damaged or worn?
Yes INSTALL new springs as necessary.
REFER TO: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly).
REFER TO: Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent component issue.
PINPOINT TEST G: VEHICLE LEANS TO ONE SIDE

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Sources

  • Incorrect vehicle loading
  • Suspension Components
  • Incorrect ride height
G1 CHECK FOR SIGNS OF OVERLOADING, UNEVEN OR INCORRECT VEHICLE LOADING
  • Question the customer about the vehicle loading and visually inspect the vehicle.

Are signs of overloading, uneven or improper vehicle loading present?
Yes NOTIFY the customer of improper vehicle loading.
No GO to G2
G2 INSPECT THE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FOR DAMAGE, WEAR OR FAULTS
  • Inspect the front suspension components for loose mountings, wear or damage.

Are there any signs of loose mountings, wear or damage on the front suspension components?
Yes INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
No GO to G3
G3 MEASURE THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT
  • Measure the vehicle ground clearance.
    REFER TO: Ground Clearance Measurement (204-00 Suspension System, General Information, General Procedures).

Is the ride height within specification?
Yes The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent component issue.
No INSTALL new springs as necessary.
REFER TO: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly).
PINPOINT TEST H: VEHICLE DRIFTS / PULLS

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

Possible Sources

  • Incorrect vehicle loading
  • Suspension Components
  • Steering components
  • Tires
H1 CHECK THE VEHICLE FOR PULLING/DRIFTING
  • Road test the vehicle.

Does the vehicle pull or drift?
Yes
REFER TO: Power Steering (211-02 Power Steering, Diagnosis and Testing).
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by an intermittent component issue.

Component Tests

Ball Joint Inspection

  1. Before checking the ball joints for wear, check the wheel bearings. If necessary, install a new wheel bearing. Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub
    REFER TO: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
  2. Raise and support the vehicle by the frame so the wheels hang in their natural position.
    REFER TO: Lifting and Jacking - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
  3. Inspect the ball joint and ball joint dust boot for damage.
    • If the ball joint or ball joint dust boot is damaged, install a new lower control arm as necessary.
      REFER TO: Lower Control Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).

  1. NOTICE: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components when checking for relative movement. Suspension damage may occur. Using tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not be present when hand force is used. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.

    Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling down and pushing up on the lower control arm by hand. Note any relative vertical movement between the steering knuckle and the lower control arm at the lower ball joint.
    • If no relative movement is felt or seen, the ball joint is good. Do not install a new lower control arm.
    • If relative movement is detected, go to step 5.
  2. To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible lever between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle or ball joint stud.
  1. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant manually pushes the lower control arm up and down.
    • If the deflection exceeds the specification, install a new lower control arm.
      Refer to: Lower Control Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
    • If the measurement is within specification, no further action is required.

Test yourself

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