Steering Linkage Inspection:

1. With the weight on the front wheels, check the linkage joints while someone else turns the steering wheel from side to side.

Figure 1:

a. For rubber ball socket (RBS) joints, see if the ball stud makes contact with the window opening in the socket bowl while on the truck, Figure 1. If contact is made with the window opening, replace it with a greaseable steel joint.

b. For steel (greaseable) joints, measure the lateral (side to side) lash in the joint, Figure
1. If the lash exceeds .060" (1.59 mm), replace the joint.

2. With the truck on a hoist, check the steel (greaseable) joints for vertical (up and down) end play by pushing and pulling on the joint, Figure 1. If the end play exceeds .090" (2.38 mm), replace the joint.

Figure 2:

3. Remove the linkage from the truck, Figure 2.

a. See if the rubber is torn on the RBS. If the rubber is torn, replace it with a greaseable steel joint.

b. See if the steel joint will spin freely. If the joint spins freely with the hand, replace the joint.

Refer to Figure 2 for specific service part applications.