Steering Components
There are typically 4 of these on a vehicle, they come in inner and outters, they also contain a small ball joint that aides in steering
Tie rod end
This device dampens the impact from pot holes in the road
Shock Absorber
This type of suspension set up uses only a lower control arm, connecting the strut directly to the steering knuckle
McPherson
This is the tool used to remove ball joints from a control arm
Ball Joint Press
Besides power steering fluid, a lot of vehicles also use this type of fluid in their power steering pump
ATF
Either pressed in or bolted onto the control arm this component allows the steering knuckle to turn while keeping a tight connection to the control arm
Ball Joint
This large component connects the frame or unibody to the steering knuckle allowing it to move with the road and vehicle
Control arm
This type of suspension sacrifices ride quality because movement on one side of the vehicle affects the other side as well
Straight axle (dependent suspension)
This is the cheapest tool used to pop tie rod end and ball joints out of their sockets. Although it works it usually causes the rubber boots to tear
Pickle Fork
Having too little or too much fluid can cause the power steering pump to make this noise
high pitch whine
Supports the wheel and tire, the brakes also attach to this.
Steering knuckle
This piece is what the coil spring sits on
Spring Seat
Nearly All front suspensions found on modern cars and light trucks use this type of suspension
Independent
This is used to safely remove the coil spring from a strut.
Coil Spring Compressor
This is the bottom spring on a leaf spring pack it holds the weight of the vehicle
Load Spring
This is bolted to the motor and has uses the serpentine belt to drive the pulley which creates a high pressure fluid that aides in turning the wheels
This device prevents the vehicle from leaning to much into a turn. The can be removed for more suspension travel which is commonly used in the off-road community
Sway bar end link
This is what a axle housing that is used for 2wd vehicles and houses no axle shafts is called
This is used to lubricate ball joints and tie rod ends to extend their lives
Grease gun
The Jeep in the shop has which type of suspension
Straight Axle
This is the plastic boot that covers and protects the rack and inner tie rod
This is a long rod that attaches to the control arm and frame. The movement of the control arm causes the bar to twist, this twist is similar to the compression of a Coil Spring
This term is used to describe the upward movement of the wheel that compresses the spring
Jounce
This is used to make sure your wheels are sitting at proper manufacture specification after replacing any steering or suspension parts.
Front end alignment
This is the opposite of Jounce, it is when the coil spring expanding after compressing
Rebound