From grimoire
Systematically identifies failing suspension and steering components through symptom analysis, visual inspection, and component-specific tests to prevent misdiagnosis.
How this skill is triggered — by the user, by Claude, or both
Slash command
/grimoire:diagnose-suspension-problemThe summary Claude sees in its skill listing — used to decide when to auto-load this skill
Systematically identify failing suspension and steering components through symptom analysis, visual inspection, road testing, and component-specific tests — preventing misdiagnosis and unnecessary parts replacement.
Systematically identify failing suspension and steering components through symptom analysis, visual inspection, road testing, and component-specific tests — preventing misdiagnosis and unnecessary parts replacement.
Adopted by: ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) A4 certification covers suspension and steering diagnosis as a distinct domain. Monroe and KYB (major shock absorber manufacturers) publish suspension diagnostic flowcharts used industry-wide by service technicians. Hunter Engineering's wheel alignment systems (used by 90% of US tire shops) require suspension diagnosis before alignment service. Impact: Suspension components rarely fail in isolation. A worn stabilizer bar link causes a thumping noise over bumps; worn ball joints cause wandering and clunking; weak struts cause bouncing and extended braking distances. Misidentifying the symptom leads to replacing the wrong component — the problem recurs and the old part was wasted. Systematic symptom-to-component mapping eliminates guesswork.
Each symptom points to a specific component set:
| Symptom | Likely component area |
|---|---|
| Pull to one side (consistent) | Tire pressure difference, alignment (camber/toe), brake drag |
| Pull to one side (braking only) | Brake caliper sticking, brake hose collapse |
| Vehicle wanders / needs constant correction | Tie rod ends, loose steering gear, alignment (toe) |
| Bounce / excessive body motion | Shock absorbers or struts (most common) |
| Nose dive under braking | Front struts worn |
| Clunk over bumps (front) | Sway bar end links, strut top mounts, ball joints |
| Clunk over bumps (rear) | Sway bar bushings, control arm bushings |
| Grinding/creaking in turns | CV axle joint, wheel bearing |
| Steering wheel vibration at speed | Wheel balance, worn tie rod ends, loose wheel hub |
| Uneven tire wear | Alignment (see tire wear pattern) |
Safely lift and support the vehicle on jack stands:
With the vehicle safely supported:
Ball joint test:
Tie rod end test:
Wheel bearing test:
Shock/strut bounce test (rough field test): Push down hard on each corner of the vehicle; release. Vehicle should return once and settle — not bounce 2+ times. Bouncing = worn shock/strut.
Drive over known bumps and note:
Cornering test: slow speed figure-8; excessive body lean = worn sway bar components or struts.
Braking test: apply brakes firmly; any pull = brake system (not alignment); any dive = front struts.
Priority order:
Always replace suspension components in axle pairs (both fronts, both rears) — if one side wore, the other is near the end of its life. Replacing only the failed side results in imbalanced handling.
npx claudepluginhub jeffreytse/grimoire --plugin grimoireDiagnoses brake system faults from symptoms like noise, pulsation, pulling, soft pedal, or warning lights to determine urgency and root cause before driving or seeking repair.
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Guides non-conformance investigations, root cause analysis, CAPA management, MRB dispositions, and supplier quality audits in regulated manufacturing (FDA, IATF, AS9100).