Pinpoint Test B: Excessive Steering Wheel Play

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

Steering linkage
Steering column shaft U-joints
Steering gear

PINPOINT TEST B: EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL PLAY

B1 CHECK THE STEERING LINKAGE
- Refer to the Steering Linkage Component Test under Component Tests .
- Is the steering linkage OK?
1. YES : Go to B2.
2. NO : INSTALL new steering linkage components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Steering System article for the procedure.
B2 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT
- Inspect the steering column shaft U-joints and fasteners for looseness.
- Are the U-joints and fasteners OK?
1. YES : INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
2. NO : TIGHTEN the steering column shaft fasteners or INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.