Keep checking the steering linkage and other parts of the suspension. Worn or defective suspension and steering linkage components can lead to excessive and irregular tire wear, poor ride quality, reduced vehicle handling as well as fuel economy. To check the shock absorbers: Park your car on level ground, switch off the engine and set the parking brake. Push down at one corner of the vehicle and release it, noting what happens to the body next. Any upward or downward movement of the vehicle even after releasing it indicates that a weak or worn-out shock absorber is responsible for this state of affairs. If there is any bounce in a vehicle when depressed at one corner, this indicates a worn-out or weak shock absorber. Repeat this procedure for each remaining corner of the car. Lift up your car and support it with jackstands securely to inspect shocks for fluid leakage or other damage while assuring they are not only securely fastened but also are leak-free. Visually examine components such as seals, boots, bushings and leaks for damage and distortion. Check out where control arms meet chassis for bushings; these should be intact without any signs of corrosion. Clean the lower end of the steering knuckle while an assistant wiggles wheel in and out looking for play at the steering knuckle-to-control arm ball joint if there is any replace suspension ball joint(s). Grasp each front tire while pushing in towards front then pull outwards towards rear to determine if there is play in any parts constituting steering system; if you note any freeplay-check idler arm as well as tie-rod ends for looseness. Lastly, remember to assess CV boots which prevent dirt water etc from ruining CV-joints by tearing cracking losing clamps; replace them when cracks are noticed or lubricants leak.
