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