Steering Linkage Test
Steering Linkage1. With the parking brake applied, carry out the following:
1 NOTE: Excessive vertical or horizontal motion of the stud relative to the steering linkage ball sockets may indicate excessive wear.
Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for relative motion of the studs in the steering linkage ball sockets.
2 Watch for a loose steering gear attachment to the frame.
2. Another method is to raise the front tires off the ground, grasp the tire at the front and rear and watch for excessive play in the joints while trying to pivot the wheels by hand.
3. NOTE: Incorrect separation of the tapered stud from its seat will cause premature failure of the ball socket.
Joints can be checked for excessive wear by measuring the torque it takes to turn the stud.
1 Separate the tapered stud from its seat and thread the attaching nut back onto the stud
2 NOTE: Some joint turning torques will be as little as 0.2 Nm (2 inch lbs.) within the first 1,000 miles and will remain there for the life of the joint.
Turn the stud with an inch-pound torque wrench and note the torque required to turn the stud.
3 NOTE: Only install a new ball joint if the stud torque is less than 0.2 Nm (2 inch lbs.) and the joint has any play when moved by hand.
Install new tie-rod ends as necessary.