In order to examine thefront suspension and the steering, lift the front of the car and place it on axle stands. Regularly examine the balljoint dust covers and steering rack gaiters to see any splits, chafing or deterioration of these parts, as wear may result in loss of lubricant and dirt ingression, which may cause a rapid deterioration of these parts. On cars with power steering, inspect the hoses of the fluid system in relation to chafing, and look at the joints of the pipes and hoses to see whether there are any leakages, and at the joints of the pressure pipes by the steering gear rubber gaiters, which could be evidence of broken seals. Test roadwheel by holding at the 12 o clock and 6 o clock positions and ensuring that there is minimal free play as far as the hub bearing is concerned but that excessive movement is something that needs further examination. When the movement is less when the footbrake is pushed down then the bearings of the hubs will be defective; otherwise the suspension joints or mountings could be worn. Then be sure to hold the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock to examine any movement, which might be an indication of wear in the hub bearings or balljoints of the steering track-rods. Test to understand whether the suspension mounting bushes are worn out, using a large screwdriver or a flat bar, expecting a certain degree of motion but observing excessive motion or obvious destruction. When the vehicle is on the wheels, make an assistant turn the steering wheel a little and there should be minimal lost movement between the steering wheel and the roadwheels, otherwise check the joints, mountings and steering column universal joints with regard to wear. In case of the suspension strut or shock absorber, verify that there is no leakage of fluid around the body or the rubber gaiter; the latter will be a sign of internal faults that will necessitate the replacement of the said strut or shock absorber and they should be replaced together in pairs on the same axle. Check the efficiency by bouncing the vehicle at all the corners; the vehicle should not rebound too much out of position. Check the top and bottom fixings. In the case of driveshafts, when the vehicle is elevated, rotate the steering wheel to full lock and rotate the roadwheel to check the outer CV joint rubber gaiters of the driveshafts are not torn or worn open and the clips that hold them in place are fixed. Do the same with the inner CV joints, replacing any torn gaiters. Lastly, inspect the general state of the CV joints by holding the driveshaft and attempting to rotate the wheel, and then holding the inner joint and rotating the driveshaft; any excessive movement is evidence of wear in the joints, driveshaft splines, or a loose retaining nut.