Comprehensive Car Wheel and Suspension Self-Check Guide

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Assess the condition of the body

The cross-section of a modern car’s threshold reveals where corrosion matters most. If only the vertical center section is affected, the threshold’s stiffness may still suffice for lifting. Before raising a monocoque vehicle over the threshold, ensure it can safely bear the load. Heavy corrosion can undermine the threshold and cause damage to the structure. The first warning often shows up as a weak point at the start of lifting. In such cases, placing a plank about half a meter long beneath the jack helps distribute pressure across more of the threshold, allowing the wheel to be changed without compromising safety. In summer, it’s wise to consider replacing severely corroded thresholds sooner rather than later.

Spin the wheel

Suspending a wheel allows inspection of suspension and braking safety features. Wheels without drive should turn smoothly, quietly, and easily, leaving only a faint rustling from brake pads against the disc. After a brief rotation, the wheel should complete several turns. Any humming or creaking during rotation signals worn bearings, a dangerous issue that can lead to wheel lock. If the wheel resists turning by hand, the braking mechanisms need checking—pistons inside brake cylinders may have lost mobility, caliper guides could be stuck, or brake pads may be wedged in guides. The result can be higher fuel consumption or, in the worst case, overheating and brake failure. For drive wheels, a subtle bearing hum may be harder to hear, as resistance comes from drives and gearbox components. The rotation should remain smooth, without sudden jerks, which could indicate wear on CV joints. Braking the disc with pads should feel normal, not abnormal.

Rock the wheel

With the wheel suspended, gently rock it in two planes: from above and below in a vertical plane, and from the sides in a horizontal plane. Avoid overextending the lift and consider replacing a safety rack for added security. On non-steered wheels, this check helps assess the condition of bearings and silent blocks in the wishbones. For checked wheels, horizontal rocking reveals play in steering components, while vertical rocking tests ball joints. The goal is to confirm there is no looseness that could affect steering or stability.

In practice, this is how to swing the wheel in a vertical plane to get a feel for overall bearing health and steering integrity.

We remove the wheel

Begin by inspecting the remaining life of brake pads and the condition of brake discs. In cars with relatively low mileage, discs can accumulate a stubborn oxide layer that forms what is called a disc plague. A thick oxide layer—especially on the disc’s inner surface—reduces the effective contact area for pads. Grinding away this rust is often beyond the pads’ capacity, and the rough layer can quickly wear them down. Lightly shake the caliper with your hand; slight mobility indicates that caliper guides and piston remain unfrozen. Inspect brake hoses for cracks, sharp bends, and any signs of brake fluid leaks or fogging under the cylinder. Check the rubber anthers around the caliper guide pins and ensure the air vent seal remains in place. In some cases, the brake disc may be damaged by debris near ventilation components.

Visual inspection

The ball bearing seals, tie rod ends, steering mechanism lips, and anti-roll bar seals should be intact and free of leaking grease. Brake hoses typically show cracks near their ends. A light misting on shock absorbers can be acceptable, but the wheel arch should remain dry and free of grease traces. Look for fluid or oil leaks from the engine or gearbox, which can become more noticeable once a wheel is removed. Corrosion in the wheel arches can indicate issues with the front spars and subframe areas that influence overall geometry and rigidity of the vehicle’s front end. Check that standard plastic mudguards are securely attached, as loose guards can be hazardous at speed and potentially cause damage or accidents.

Everything is fine?

With the inspection complete, install the summer wheels and lower the car. Recheck wheel bolts or nuts with a torque wrench, then inflate the tires to the correct pressure. A final tighten and a test run confirm readiness to hit the road with confidence in the vehicle’s condition.

Safety reminders: always have a basic repair and maintenance guide for popular models on hand, and keep essential items in the trunk such as a basic first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Driving safety should be a priority and, when in doubt, consult a qualified technician for a thorough check.

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