Underbody Automotive Technology

Inspect u-joints for rust, looseness, and noise by checking for orange dust, testing play with hands and a pry bar, and inspecting caps; diagnose vibration or clunking during acceleration.

Identify rear toe issues by feeling for back-and-forth movement across the tire. Check rear toe during alignments and inspect the rear camera to prevent tyre wear.

Find tips for wheel bearing replacement, including dealing with corroded threads, using heat or an air hammer, and removing the rotor and caliper to access the bearing on the knuckle.

Inspect the muffler for holes, tears, and rips, and look for black spots or sooty buildup to spot exhaust leaks that cause a noisy exhaust.

learn how to check for bad suspension bushings, especially front, rear, and lower control arm bushings, by testing movement on a solid surface and inspecting rubber for cracking.

Learn to check rear lateral links on vehicles, using the same push test as the upper ball joint: push at the top, bottom, and sides, and inspect every tire.

Jack up the vehicle, wiggle the tie rods to test play in the inner and outer joints, and feel for play to confirm wear.

learn practical ball joint replacement tips, including using penetrating oil, heat, and controlled hammer techniques on the control arm, with cautions about pry bars and bending parts.