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 fol lowing 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 steer ing system for looseness. (f) Strut upper cup for wear.
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