Level 3 Light vehicle maintenance and repair

Salman shah
Suspension

 PPE:
For PPE I wore steel toe capped boots for protection of any heavy objects falling and breaking my
toes. Also I wore gloves to prevent any harmful substances seeping into my skin. I also wore overalls
suitable for this work.

Customer concerns:
 Under steer

Next steps:
 Ask the customer the last time the car had been serviced. 
 Ask the customer when they first started experiencing the problem. 
 Drive the car the same way the customer was driving to confirm the fault. (I confirmed the
fault.

Diagnostic process:
 Check the tyre tread depth with a tread depth gauge. The gauge should read a minimum of
1.6mm. (The tread depth was 1.6mm) 
 If the tyres are fine; whilst the vehicle is on the floor loosen the 17mm wheel bolts using the
17mm end of a wheel brace or breaker bar with a 17mm socket if it’s too tight. 
 Once the wheel bolts are loose but still in, raise the front of the car using a jack tool and
place an axle underneath the vehicle on the correct jacking point then remove the jack (do
this on both sides).
 Once the car is up by hand or using the 17mm wheel brace remove the loosened 17mm
wheel bolts. 
 Remove the tyre from the vehicle. 
 Get a torch and visually inspect the suspension/damper for any damage or wear. 
 Visually inspect the suspension spring. 
 Check the anti roll bar is correctly torqued in place. 
 Try to move the anti roll bar to check if it’s secure and not moving. 
 Inspect the drop link move around check if it’s in place and not moving. (I notice the drop
link was quite damaged and worn at the ends. It also moves and was easy to rattle.) 

Diagnosis: 
Once the problem had been found I had noticed the problem was with the drop link and realised it
needed replacing due to severe wear. 

Next steps:
Order a drop link correct to the vehicles manufacturer. 

Replacing:
 Using a 19mm spanner undo the top 19mm nut on the drop link but using another 19mm
spanner on the base of that end of the link pushing into the opposite direction which is left
as the top of the link is facing away from you. 
 Repeat the same process only rotate the bottom 19mm nut left as the bottom end will be
facing towards you so no need to switch direction of turning the second 19mm spanner. 
 Once the 19mm nuts are removed, remove the damaged drop link. 
  Get the new drop link put a bit of slip greave on it and put in place the same way the first
drop link was in place. 
 Refit the top 19mm nut for the top of the drop link end using a 19mm spanner left on the
nut and another 19mm spanner on the base of the top end of the drop link but rotating
right. 
 Repeat the same process for the bottom of the drop link. 
 once both 19mm nuts are tightened give the bolts an extra turn using a 19mm spanner. 
 Once the the drop link is replaced you can place the wheel back on and screw in the 17mm
wheel bolts by hand. 
 Lower the vehicle onto the floor and using the 17mm end of the wheel brace completely
screw In the 17mm wheel bolts.
 Using a torque wrench set to 120NM and a 17mm socket, torque the 17mm wheel bolts. 

Final steps: 
Test drive the car check the same problem doesn’t happen. (It didn’t) call up the customer and ask
them to check for themselves and collect there vehicle. (They did).