With the vehicle stopped and the front wheels pointed straight ahead, rock the steering wheel gently back and forth to check for excessive freeplay. Excessive freeplay may indicate worn front wheel bearings, steering shaft universal joint, lower arm balljoint, or a broken or improperly adjusted steering gear. Other symptoms such as excessive body movement over rough roads, swaying around corners, and binding when turning the steering wheel may indicate faulty steering or suspension components. Check the shock absorbers by pushing down and releasing the vehicle at each corner. If the vehicle does not come back to a level position within one or two bounces, the shocks/struts are worn and need to be replaced. Listen for squeaks and noises from the suspension components while bouncing the vehicle. Check the struts and shock absorbers for evidence of fluid leakage. Replace the shocks as a set if leakage is noted. Ensure that the shocks are securely mounted and undamaged, and check the upper mounts for damage and wear. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Check the tires for irregular wear patterns and proper inflation. Inspect the universal joint between the steering shaft and the steering gear housing, and check the steering gear housing for lubricant leakage. Ensure that the dust seals and boots are not damaged and that the boot clamps are not loose. Check the steering linkage for looseness or damage, and inspect the tie-rod ends for excessive play. Look for loose bolts, broken or disconnected parts, and deteriorated rubber bushings on all suspension and steering components. While an assistant turns the steering wheel from side to side, check the steering components for free movement, chafing, and binding. Check the balljoints for wear by trying to move each control arm up and down with a pry bar. Replace any balljoint with play. Inspect the balljoint boots for damage and leaking grease, and replace damaged balljoints. At the rear of the vehicle, inspect the suspension arm bushings for deterioration. The CV Boots are important in preventing dirt, water, and foreign material from entering and damaging the CV joints. Inspect the boots for tears, cracks, and loose clamps. Also, inspect the inner and outer boots of the rear CVs on 4WD Sportage models. Replace any boots with cracks or leaking lubricant.