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STEERING SYSTEM
571
STEERING
Steering wheel free-play inspection
Check steering wheel for play and rattle as shown in
following figure, provided the vehicle is in straight ahead
position on the ground.
7.2 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF
STEERING SYSTEM
Maintenance of the steering system consists of regular
inspection, lubrication, and adjustments for smooth
and proper working and also to compensate for wear.
When inspecting the steering system, you will need
someone to assist you by turning the steering wheel
back and forth through the free play while you check
the steering linkage and connections. This will help
to determine if the steering mechanism is securely
fastened to the body or not. A slight amount of free
play may seem insignificant, but if allowed to remain,
the free play will quickly increase, resulting in poor
steering control. After prolonged use, steering
components can fail. It is important that the steering
system be kept in good working condition for obvious
safety reasons.
(a) Steering Linkage or Tie Rod servicing :
Ball joints of tie rods are always subjected to
continuous movements and exposed to dust, dirt,
water etc. The combination of these will cause the
ball joint to wear which may cause steering play.
Whenever any signs of worn steering linkage are found,
they must be replaced with new components.
NOTE :
During removal of tie rod ball joint assembly use
special tool (Part No. 265458903304). Also care
should be taken to prevent hitting of ball joint during
servicing/maintenance of any other under body parts,
else unintentional hitting may lead to premature failure
of ball joints due to rubber boot cut and subsequent
dust/dirt/water entry.
(b) Rack and Pinion service :
Rubber bellows of rack and pinion assembly may get
cut or dislocated. So they need to check for proper
installation and leak free operation. Also tie rod ball
joint may get worn or cut which may cause a noisy
operation of steering system. When NOT properly
lubricated, the rack and pinion will also wear, causing
problems.
NOTE :
For Rack and Pinion and Tie Rod servicing, refer Rack
and Pinion overhauling procedure.
a
Steering wheel free play “a” = 25 to 30 mm
If steering wheel free play is not within specification,
inspect the following areas and replace the
components if found defective.
(a) Tie rod end ball stud for wear/looseness.
(b) Lower arm ball joint for wear/looseness.
(c) Steering shaft joint for wear/looseness.
(d) Steering pinion or rack gear for wear/looseness.
(e) Each component of steering system for
looseness.
(f) Strut upper cup for wear.