Steering Linkage Inspection

NOTE: Damaged or broken steering linkage components must be replaced. Never attempt to repair these parts.

Checking Linkage Wear:

INSPECT
1. Set the wheels in the straight ahead position.
2. Set the steering wheel into the locked position.
3. Raise the vehicle on one side so the tire is about 25 mm (one inch) off the floor.
4. Position a dial indicator at B.
5. Move the wheel back and forth without moving the steering wheel. The gage reading should not exceed 2.74 mm (0.108 inch).
6. If the gage reading exceeds specifications, inspect all linkage pivots and ball studs for looseness and replace where necessary.

Tie Rod
There are two tie rod assemblies. Each assembly is made up of five pieces, consisting of a sleeve, two clamps, and two tie rod ends. The ends are threaded into the sleeve and secured with the clamps. Right and left hand threads are used for toe-in adjustments and steering gear centering.

The tie rod ends are self-adjusting for wear and require periodic lubrication. Replace tie rod ends when excessive up-and-down motion is present or excessive end play or loss of motion at the ball stud exists.

Before any service is undertaken, note the position of the tie rod adjuster tube, and the direction from which the bolts are installed. The tie rod adjuster tube components may be rusted. If the torque required to remove the nut from the bolt exceeds 9 Nm (80 inch lbs.) discard the nuts and bolts. Apply penetrating oil between the clamp and tube and rotate the clamps until they move freely. Install all parts, with the correct part number, in the proper position.

Idler Arm Movement Check:

Idler Arm
Inspect
1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with jack-stands. Allow the front wheels to rotate freely and the steering mechanism freedom to turn. Position the wheels in a straight ahead position.
2. Place a spring scale near the relay rod end of the idler arm. Exert 110 N (25 lbs) force upward and then downward while measuring the total distance the arm moves. The allowable deflection is 3.18 mm (1/8 inch) from center for a total of 6.35 mm (1/4 inch). Replace the idler arm if it fails this test.

NOTE:

- Jerking the right tire and wheel assembly back and forth, causing an up-and-down movement of the idler arm, is NOT an acceptable testing procedure. There is no control on the amount of force being applied to the idler arm.

- Use care whenever shimmy complaints are suspected of being caused by loose idler arms. Before suspecting suspension or steering components, consider areas such as dynamic imbalance, runout, or force variation of tire and wheel assemblies and road surface irregularities.