Component Tests and General Diagnostics

1. With the parking brake applied, perform 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 motion of the studs relative to the sockets may indicate excessive wear.

2. Another method is to raise the front tires off the ground, grasp the tire at the front and rear and watch for excessive play in the joints while trying to steer the wheels.
3. Steel, greaseable joints can be checked for excessive wear by measuring the torque it takes to turn the stud.
^ Remove the tapered stud from its seat and thread the attaching nut back onto the stud.

NOTE: Improper removal of the tapered stud will cause premature failure of the ball socket.

^ Turn the stud with an inch-pound torque wrench and note the torque required to turn the stud.
New Steel Joints: 2.0-5.3 Nm (17.8-47.3 inch lbs.)
Good Used Joints: 0.5-3 Nm (5-26.5 inch lbs.)
Joint With Excessive Play: 0.5 Nm (5 inch lbs.)

^ Some joint turning torques will be as little as 0.5 Nm (5 inch lbs.) within the first 1000 miles and will remain there for the life of the joint.
^ Only replace a ball socket that requires less than 0.5 Nm (5 inch lbs.).
^ Tighten or replace loose, worn or damaged parts.