Steering Linkage
- With the parking brake applied, carry out the following:
- 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.
- Watch for a loose steering gear attachment to the frame.
NOTE: Excessive vertical or horizontal motion of the stud relative to the steering linkage ball sockets may indicate excessive wear. - Steel greaseable joints can be checked for excessive wear by measuring the torque it takes to turn the stud.
- Separate the tapered stud from its seat and thread the attaching nut back onto the stud.
- Turn the stud with an inch-pound torque wrench and note the torque required to turn the stud.
- Only install a new ball joint that requires less than 0.5 N.m (5 lb-in).
- REPAIR as necessary. For additional information, refer to STEERING LINKAGE .
NOTE: Some joint turning torques will be as little as 0.5 N.m (5 lb-in) within the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) and will remain there for the life of the joint.
NOTE:
Improper separation of the tapered stud from its seat will cause premature failure of the ball socket.
