What should you inspect when examining a suspension link?

When examining a suspension link, it is crucial to focus on its structural integrity and functionality. Inspecting for signs of bending, cracking, or excessive play directly relates to the suspension link’s performance and safety. These issues can significantly impair the vehicle's handling and stability, potentially leading to more severe mechanical failures if left unaddressed.

Bending indicates that the link is not able to perform as intended, which could lead to uneven tire wear or compromised alignment. Cracking suggests that the material is failing, which poses an immediate risk to the vehicle’s suspension system. Excessive play can indicate wear or damage that could cause the suspension components to move beyond their designed parameters, leading to poor handling and discomfort while driving. Thus, a thorough inspection of these aspects is essential to ensure that the vehicle remains safe and performs optimally.

The other choices pertain to different components and systems that do not directly impact the analysis of the suspension link itself. Rusting and corrosion indicate a deterioration issue but do not highlight immediate mechanical failures like those in option B. Checking brake pad thickness and rotor condition relates to the braking system rather than the suspension, and inspecting the exhaust system is entirely unrelated to the suspension link’s functionality.