ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringSuspension System Diagnosis and RepairEasy
A technician is diagnosing a vehicle with a double wishbone front suspension that exhibits excessive body roll during cornering, despite having no noticeable leaks from the shock absorbers. Which of the following components is MOST likely worn or damaged?
- ALower ball joint
- BUpper control arm bushings
- CSteering rack mounts
- DSway bar end links
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Sway bar end links
Excessive body roll is primarily controlled by the sway bar (anti-roll bar). Worn or damaged sway bar end links would reduce the effectiveness of the sway bar, leading to increased body roll.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lower ball joint wear typically causes clunking noises and loose steering, not primarily excessive body roll.
- B. Worn upper control arm bushings can affect alignment and cause noise, but are not the primary cause of excessive body roll.
- C. Steering rack mounts affect steering feel and precision, not directly body roll.
Sway Bar End Links
Connects the sway bar to the control arm or strut, allowing the sway bar to transfer force and resist body roll during cornering.
- Critical for body roll control.
- Failure leads to increased body roll and clunking noises.
- Often a common wear item.
Memory trick: Roll-y Polly, what's controlling your sway?