Steering Linkage Inspection

Special Tools 

CH-45101  Hub and Wheel Runout Gage

Equivalent regional tools: Special Tools 

1. With the wheels of the vehicle in the straight ahead position, lock the steering column or secure the steering wheel to prevent rotation.
2. Elevate the left front of the vehicle and install a suitable support, maintaining contact between the right front tire and wheel assembly and the shop floor. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle

3. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Install the runout gauge between the steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering knuckle, as shown, and push slowly inward with one hand to remove any lash.

4. Place the runout gauge at zero, pull outward on the tire, and note the amount of movement. The movement should NOT exceed 1 mm (0.039 in).

5. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Install the runout gauge between the steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering linkage inner tie rod nut and attach the other end to the steering linkage relay rod, as shown, and push slowly inward on the tire with one hand to remove any lash.

6. Place the runout gauge at zero, pull outward on the tire, and note the amount of movement. The movement should NOT exceed 1 mm (0.039 in).

7. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Install the runout gauge between the pitman arm and the steering linkage relay rod, as shown, and push slowly inward on the tire with one hand to remove any lash.

8. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Place the runout gauge at zero, pull outward on the tire, and note the amount of movement. The movement should NOT exceed 1 mm (0.039 in).

9. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
10. Jounce the vehicle several times to settle the steering linkage and front suspension.
11. Elevate the right front of the vehicle and install a suitable support, maintaining contact between the left front tire and wheel assembly and the shop floor. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle

12. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Install the runout gauge between the steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering knuckle, as shown, and push slowly inward on the tire with one hand to remove any lash.

13. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Place the runout gauge at zero, pull outward on the tire, and note the amount of movement. The movement should NOT exceed 1 mm (0.039 in).

14. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Install the runout gauge between the steering linkage outer tie rod end and the steering linkage relay rod, as shown, and push slowly inward on the tire with one hand to remove any lash.

15. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward on the tire, and note the amount of movement. The movement should NOT exceed 1 mm (0.039 in).