Volkswagen Golf / Golf GTI / Jetta. Manual — part 488

00 - 2

Check list for evaluating the suspension
of accident vehicles

When repairing load-bearing or wheel-supporting
components on accident vehicles, damages to the chassis
could remain undiscovered. These undiscovered damages
can sometimes lead to heavy damages, in continued
vehicle operation. Therefore, on accident vehicles, the
listed components are to be inspected in the described
manner and sequence, independent of performing a vehicle
alignment. If no deviations from the specified values were
determined during a vehicle alignment, then no
deformations of the chassis are present.

Visual and function testing of the steering system

n

Visually inspect for deformations and splits

n

Check for play in tie rod joints and steering gear

n

Visually inspect for defects in dust and grease boots

n

Inspect electrical and hydraulic lines/hoses for
abrasions, cuts and kinked areas

n

Verify that hydraulic lines, connections and steering
gear are not leaking

n

Check steering gear and lines for proper and secure
seating

n

Check the problem-free movement of steering wheel
from lock to lock, by turning the steering wheel
completely in each direction. Thereby, the rotation of
the steering wheel must require steady force without
catching

Visual and function testing of the suspension

n

The sequence of the following test procedures must
be maintained!

n

Check all components displayed in the assembly
overview for deformation, splits and other damages

n

Replace damaged components

n

Align vehicle on a VOLKSWAGEN AG approved
alignment stand

Check list for evaluating the suspension of accident vehicles

Visual and function testing of wheels and tires

n

Check for radial run-out and imbalance see General
information, information on wheel/tire combinations,
winter tires, snow chains, recommended tire makes,
can be found in VESIS; Library; Additional Information
"Wheel and Tire Guide"; Vibrations from wheels and
tires.

n

Check tires for cuts and impact damages in tread and
on sides see General information, information on
wheel/tire combinations, winter tires, snow chains,
recommended tire makes, can be found in VESIS;
Library; Additional Information "Wheel and Tire
Guide"; Tire damages

n

Check tire pressures; For tire pressure specification,
see inside of fuel filler door or

Repair Manual, Maintenance

Replace tire if there is damage to the wheel and/or tire. This
also applies when the area of impact and damage of the
vehicle suggest that unverifiable damage may be possible.

Another determining factor is the age of the tire: Tires
should not be older than 6 years.

If not able to be determined:

n

As soon as a safety risk can be verified, the tire(s)
must be replaced

Entire vehicle

Check other vehicle systems, for example:

n

Brake system including ABS

n

Exhaust system and occupant protection through
visual inspection and function testing

Test values, adjustment values, and notes can be found in
the appropriate repair manual.

The examination of accident vehicles described here, refers
to the chassis and lays no claim on the completeness of the
total vehicle.

Electronic vehicle systems

Check list for evaluating the suspension of accident vehicles

Safety-related systems, for example: ABS/EDS; Airbag;
Electronically regulated vehicle systems;
Electromechanical; Electrohydraulic steering and other
driver assist systems must be queried for Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) codes that could possibly be stored,
using the vehicle diagnostic, test and measuring system
VAS 5051 . If a malfunction was stored in the DTC memory
of one of these systems, perform the appropriate
procedures in the repair manual to repair it. After
performing repairs, check the DTC memory of the affected
system again, to make sure that proper function can be
ensured again.

Check list for evaluating the suspension of accident vehicles

40 - 1

Evaluation of accident vehicles

A check list for evaluating the suspension of accident
vehicles can be found here

00-2, Check list for

evaluating the suspension of accident vehicles

.

Evaluation of accident vehicles