What is running gear diagnostics?
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What is running gear diagnostics?

The undercarriage of each vehicle is subject to the greatest stress on the road. Any riding on uneven surfaces, driving on dirt roads or in winter conditions negatively affects the components. chassis.

Unfortunately, a fairly large percentage of drivers neglect regular maintenance of the chassis and think about it only when they discover problems such as:

  • increased vibration in the cabin;
  • driving difficulties;
  • creak at a stop;
  • knock in the suspension, etc.

These are problems that clearly show that the suspension already has some damage, and the car owner needs to visit a service center.

What is running gear diagnostics?

These problems can be easily prevented if, instead of waiting for the onset of symptoms, timely diagnostics of the chassis can be performed.

What is running gear diagnostics?

Diagnosis of any part of the vehicle (including hodovka) means that you need to spend some time and visit the workshop to conduct a comprehensive check of components.

In other words, the diagnosis will give a clear idea of ​​the condition of all parts of the chassis and, if necessary, replace worn ones. Thus, you will not only save a decent amount, but also gain confidence that the car will not get into an emergency due to a sharply damaged part.

How is the running gear checked?

In general, the process includes the following verification steps:

  • First, the car rises to the rack and checks the general condition of the chassis;
  • All elements are viewed visually;
  • It is determined how worn the elements;
  • Then a detailed diagnosis is carried out.

In-depth diagnostics of each individual suspension element most often includes the following actions.

Suspension condition checked

Inspection of shock absorbers is performed by a special device that determines the degree of wear. Shock absorbers must be checked for leaks.

What is running gear diagnostics?

In addition to the condition of the shock absorbers, the condition is diagnosed:

  • elasticity and degree of wear of springs and spring supports;
  • wheel bearings, pads, bearings, discs, drums, hoses, etc.
  • clearances on bushings of a suspension bracket, blocks, hinges;
  • rods and anti-roll bar;

Checked some transmission elements

The gearbox must not have unnatural noise or backlash. A similar check is carried out in the front and rear axles.

In addition to the search for hidden faults, a visual inspection of the wheels of the car is carried out. In what condition of the tire (tread wear), are the rims balanced, etc. Is the geometry of the car measured (is it determined whether the alignment is correct).

Depending on the specialized service you have chosen, the diagnostics can be performed either mechanically or fully automated (only at specialized stands).

What is the difference between automatic machine diagnostics and mechanical inspection?

Machine diagnostics of the chassis are carried out fully automatically with the help of new generation stands and testers. The participation of the mechanic in the inspection is minimal, as the equipment carries out a check on its own, and detects even the slightest problems or changes in the state of the elements of the chassis.

What is running gear diagnostics?

A number of specialized stands and diagnostic testers are also used in standard diagnostics, but mechanics with extensive experience are also involved in the inspection.

If you are interested in which of the two verification methods is better, then there is no single answer. One part of the customers is extremely pleased with the automatic diagnostics of the car, while the other part of the drivers believes that a person will be better able to identify the malfunction.

How often should I take a car for diagnosis?

The frequency of chassis diagnostics to some extent depends on you, as a driver, but, according to experts, a thorough inspection of the condition of the components should be carried out at best at least twice a year (when changing tires). If for the car owner this is too often (diagnostics cost money, and not everyone is willing to waste money on frequent checks), then at least once a year it is strongly recommended.

When buying a used car, it is imperative to carry out diagnostics, and if the car is many years old, it is recommended to check the chassis every 10 km. run.

Where is the verification carried out?

There are drivers who believe that they can independently diagnose a malfunction of the chassis elements and even carry out repairs themselves if necessary.

But ... it is the chassis that is a set of many elements, and without the necessary knowledge and tools it is almost impossible to perform a quality check of the state of the chassis for the layman at home.

What is running gear diagnostics?

Given this, the best place to carry out chassis diagnostics is a specialized car service. The service has special equipment such as vibration stands, countermeasures, backlash detectors and much more.

Professional mechanics with extensive experience can not only perform all the necessary tests and checks, but also after diagnosis, provide a detailed report on the condition of the chassis, give their recommendations and, at the request of the driver, prepare a proposal for repair.

If after the diagnosis the driver wants to replace one of the components or repair the entire chassis, you can often get a certain percentage discount. It should also be noted that some service centers provide a free inspection and check of the condition of the chassis, if repairs are then carried out in the same service.

Why is it necessary to regularly check and timely service the chassis?

Moving on uneven road surfaces, the chassis experiences heavy loads, and its elements wear out one after another, gradually ceasing to effectively carry out their work. A motorist endangers himself and other road users if:

  • backlash appears;
  • steering response worsens;
  • squeaks and knocks are heard in the area of ​​shock absorbers;
  • wheel alignment and wheel balancing settings are violated.
What is running gear diagnostics?

Regular diagnostics of the chassis give the motorist a clear idea of ​​the condition of each of its elements, and allows you to pre-determine the need to replace the worn part. Thus, not only serious problems are prevented, but also the money that will have to be given to repair the entire chassis is saved.

When is diagnosis needed?

Here are a few factors to help determine if the time has come to make a diagnosis:

  • Is there a knock from under the car;
  • Was it more difficult to drive the car;
  • The vibrations in the cabin are amplified;
  • There is a beating in the wheels;
  • There were leaks under the car;
  • There are problems with the brakes;
  • The car shakes when accelerating or stopping;
  • The suspension has become stiffer than usual.
  • If any of the chassis components is to be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Questions and answers:

How is the running gear diagnosed? Check: glasses under the springs, elasticity and defects of the springs, the condition of the shock absorbers, the integrity of the anthers, backlash in the ball joints, CV joints and steering rod ends.

What is included in the undercarriage diagnostics? Everything that affects the quality of the free movement of the car and damping when driving over bumps is checked: springs, shock absorbers, levers, ball, etc.

How to check the condition of the suspension yourself? Try to rock the car body in a vertical direction (press and release the side to be checked several times). Rocking should stop as quickly as possible.

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