Which method is typically recommended for diagnosing a bent strut?

Assessing the SAI (Straight Axle Inclination) and KPI (King Pin Inclination) angles is key when diagnosing a bent strut because these angles are directly related to the alignment and handling characteristics of a vehicle. A bent strut can affect how these angles are measured, leading to misalignment. Changes to the SAI and KPI angles are often indicative of structural damage, which may result from impacts or sustained wear.

When these angles are out of specification, it can suggest that the suspension geometry has been compromised, which is a common issue associated with a bent strut. Proper diagnosis requires comparing the measured angles to manufacturer specifications, and significant deviations may confirm a bent strut or other suspension issues. This method is systematic and provides relevant data to understand the underlying problems affecting vehicle alignment and performance.

Other methods, while useful in their own contexts, may not directly identify issues with a bent strut. For example, measuring toe angles can give a sense of alignment but may miss deeper issues related to the strut itself. Inspecting tire wear patterns can indicate a problem but does not pinpoint the cause. Checking for play in the steering rack addresses steering system components but is not specific to diagnosing struts.