Checking steering parts is a necessary action and should become a habit. Since the operability of the steering mechanism largely depends on you, on how timely you find faults, it is highly advisable to inspect the parts and their joints in the steering system at least once a week.
Checking the steering play
To check the backlash, set the front wheels of your vehicle in a straight-ahead position. Take a slotted screwdriver with a long shaft and tape it to the dashboard with the blade pointing towards the steering wheel. Now carefully turn the steering wheel to one side and the other until the wheels start turning. At the moments of the beginning of the turning of the wheels, use chalk or thread to mark the limits of its free play on the rim of the steering wheel. Measure the distance between the marks and determine the free play of the steering wheel, which should not exceed 15 mm. If the free wheel travel is more than 15 mm, you need to check the condition of the steering rack, tie rods and ends, front wheel hub bearings and pivot arms.
Then sharply jerk the steering wheel from side to side at a small angle. Make sure there is no knocking on the steering column universal joints and steering gear. If necessary, tighten loose fasteners or replace defective parts with new ones.
Checking the condition of the steering tips
You will need an assistant to perform this check. Take 2 jacks and raise the front of the car. Secure the machine to the support stands. If you have a lift at your disposal, use it.
Ask an assistant to take hold of the wheel and jerk it sharply in a horizontal plane, i.e. pull the rear part of the wheel towards you, and the front part away from you. You, during this, put your hand on the body of the ball joint of the steering tip and the swing arm and evaluate their mutual movement relative to each other. If you feel that the ball joint moves freely, replace the steering end immediately.
Also, change the steering tip if, during inspection, you notice that the boot of the ball joint has torn.
Checking the condition of the steering rack and steering wheel adjustment mechanism
Check the condition of the steering rack boot. If it loses its elasticity, is torn or cracked, replace it.
Now check the steering wheel adjustment mechanism. Lower the steering wheel adjustment lever. The steering column should move up and down smoothly, without jamming or jerking. Raise the steering wheel adjustment lever. The steering column must be securely locked in the installed position.
