SAFARI STORME

STEERING

7.2 MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION AND TEST

7.2.1 PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

A. INSPECTION OF TYRE

Tyre wear pattern are a good indicators of the condi-

tion of the steering and suspension system. Hence

the tyre wear pattern should be observed carefully

for wear patterns that indicate wrong or lost wheel

alignment. For detailed interpretation of Wear pattern

refer Wheels and Tyres Section.

B. STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY

Check steering wheel play.

(Refer steering wheel

alignment in regular maintenance)

C. LEAKAGES IN THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.

Trace the hydraulic system line and check for any

traces of oil leakage and rectify the same. Also

check for any oil leakages from the power steering

pump.

D. TEST DRIVE

During test drive pay close attention to any steering

ball joint sounds and steering column vertical slack-

ness, usually observed in rough patched of road.

At speeds above 40 km-ph on an even road if the

steering wheel vibrates (wobbles), it might be mainly

due to out of balance wheel.

E. ROAD TEST

Before releasing the vehicle, take it for road tests.

Check the following:

1. SELF-CENTERING TEST

(WITHOUT LOAD)

Drive the vehicle in second gear at about 10-15

Kmph along a circle of 10 meter radius and leave the

steering wheel. The vehicle should come back to

straight ahead condition freely. Conduct tests for

both left and right turns.

2. STEERING EFFORT TEST

Check the steering effort while negotiating a sharp

turn of about 10m radius at low speeds of 10-15

km/hr. Check that steering effort is satisfactory.

3. ROAD HOLDING ABILITY TEST

a. Drive the vehicle on level road at 40 km/hr with

steering wheel left free. Check whether there is

any tendency of vehicle to pull to either left or

right.

b. Check for unusual vibration or wobbling of the

wheel.

c. Check for absence of road shocks on steering

wheel.

4. TURNING CIRCLE TEST

With wheel turned to lock, drive at 5-10 km/hr. Check

whether the required turning circle is achieved. Re-

peat for both left and right turns. Ensure that for all

steering Tests the required road safety precautions

are followed. In case performance is not satisfactory

during road tests. Trace and rectify the defects.

VEHICLE

TCD (m)

4X2

10.8

4X4

10.8

TCD – Turning Circle Diameter