Abstract: A method and device for automatically monitoring the state of steering and wheel suspension geometry and the state of balance of rotating parts connected to the steering linkage of a motor vehicle and for warning the vehicle driver when the state of the monitored parts is incorrect. Statistical methods are employed for analyzing the signals corresponding to the positions and motions of the steering linkage and generated by a single sensor on the steering linkage.

Abstract: The mass of a vehicle is determined by recognizing that the natural oscillations in the transmission line of a motor vehicle and the mass of the motor vehicle are in a one-to-one relationship if the instantaneous transmission ratio remains unchanged. To determine the natural oscillations, i.e., the rate of fluctuations, a computer records engine speed signals of a speed transducer and calculates therefrom the actual vehicle mass, taking into account the instantaneous transmission ratio, which can be determined for example by comparing the engine speed to the vehicle speed or sensing the engaged gear of the gear box.