To check the front suspension and steering, first raise the front of the vehicle and securely support it on axle stands. Visually inspect the balljoint dust covers and steering linkage gaiters for any splits, chafing, or deterioration, as wear can lead to lubricant loss and contamination, causing rapid deterioration of the balljoints. Ensure that the steering box mountings are tightened to the specified torque settings. For vehicles with power steering, examine the fluid hoses for chafing or deterioration, and check for fluid leaks at the pipe and hose unions, as well as under pressure from the steering box, which may indicate failed seals. Grasp the roadwheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions to check for free play; slight movement is normal, but significant movement requires further investigation. If rocking the wheel while an assistant depresses the footbrake eliminates or reduces movement, the hub bearings may be at fault; if not, there may be wear in the suspension joints or mountings. Next, grasp the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to check for movement, which could indicate wear in the hub bearings or steering track-rod balljoints. Use a large screwdriver or flat bar to check for wear in the suspension mounting bushes, expecting some movement but looking for excessive wear. With the car on its wheels, have an assistant turn the steering wheel slightly back and forth; there should be minimal lost movement between the steering wheel and roadwheels. If there is excessive movement, inspect the linkage joints, mountings, steering column universal joint, and the steering box for wear. For the suspension strut and shock absorber, look for signs of fluid leakage around the body or from the rubber gaiter; any fluid indicates internal defects, necessitating renewal, and both struts or shock absorbers on the same axle should be replaced together to maintain handling and braking characteristics. The efficiency of the suspension strut or shock absorber can be assessed by bouncing the vehicle at each corner; it should return to its normal position without oscillation. Additionally, examine the upper and lower mountings for signs of wear.