Checking aspects of suspension. Finding prob before putting it in to get fixed

[Howieau]

I have an occasional rattle in the front right of my car, and there is a knocking when I go over small bumps. It seems as if something has worn out for example. People have suggested many things on another thread I had started.
http://www.toymods.net/forums/showth...3319#post73319

Some possible causes that people suggested include:
-Worn bushes
-Ball joints
-Worn shock absorber
-Worn strut top
-Possibly brakes (loose caliper)
-Tie rod ends

Now I dont just want to put it into the shop and get it figured out and fixed. In an attempt to learn about cars myself, Id rather I found the problem, then if I cant fix it, Ill put it into the shop.

Therefore, would anybody be able to help me with how to check the above mentioned causes. What tests can I do, what things can I look at?

I am still learning, so even the smallest bit of help will be greatly appreciated.

[mullett]

Go to auto one. Buy 4 axle stands and a cheap trolley jack.
Loosen all your wheel nuts.
Jack the car up, one corner at a time, and put it on the stands at a height you can slide underneath.
Remove the wheels.
Check your brake pads (in the middle of the pad there should be a groove, looking from the top. If you can't see a groove, time for new pads).
Check you brake calliper bolts are tight. Look at all the bushings, if they are cracking, it's time for new ones.
Grab hold of each strut and see if you can pull it back and forth (don't pull the car off the stands) Also do this with all the control arms, see if anything feels noticeably loose.
Check your exhaust. There's a good chance this is banging and causing your rattle.
Check all your driveshafts for extra freeplay.
Check the struttop nuts on each wheel, and the 3 struttop bolts.
Spin each hub (hard, because it's 4wd), and see if the bearings are dragging.
Try to move the hub back and forth with a little leverage (again, don't pull car off the stands).
If you have Callipers, measure your brake disks for wear.
Check your brake lines for fatuige
While you're under there, grease any grease nipples (if it's got any), and check for any loose bolts/cracked hoses etc that you can see.
Put the wheels back on, nip the nuts up, drop the car down again, do the nuts up tight.

Have fun! RM.

[ra40celica]

sounds like ball joints, a test for these. jack the car up and put a shovel under the wheel. leaver the shovel up and down and if the wheel moves then its a ball joint.

tie rod ends, sometimes u can simply just hit these with your hand, if they knock then they are worn.

stablizer bar bushes, these maybe worn and knocking around.