Steering Linkage Inspection And Backlash (Free Play) Check

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CAUTION: Steering gear boots must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Use new clamps when installing steering gear boots. Inspect the boots for cuts, deterioration, twisting or distortion. Check the steering gear boots to make sure they are tight. Install new boots or clamps as required

NOTE: The following steps must be carried out with assistance:

With the wheels in the straight ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and the right to check for free play
Free play should be between 0 and 6 mm (0 and 0.24 in) at the steering wheel rim. If the free play exceeds this limit, either the ball joints are worn (Refer to videos shown on SSM41218 for guidance for the procedure to check for worn Outer Ball Joints or Inner Ball Joints), or the lower steering column joints are worn refer to Steering Column Noise - Noise Specific Diagnostics (Clonk/Column Knock) Check For Clonk/Column Knock Noise From Lower Steering Column Shaft), or the backlash of the steering gear is excessive
CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty
The backlash of the steering gear cannot be adjusted, install new steering gear if excessive backlash is diagnosed after checking for worn ball joints and lower steering column joints
Grasp the steering wheel firmly and attempt to move it laterally, both up and down and to the left and the right (without turning the wheel), to check for column bearing wear

Specific Steering Column Noise Types

See below for a glossary of terms describing the most common noises that may indicate a fault with the steering column:

Clonk/Column Knock

Clonk/column knock is a structure-borne noise heard as a loose-sounding rattle or vibration coming from the steering column. Clonk/column knock can be identified by driving and turning over cobblestones, rough roads, or high frequency bumps such as 25-50 mm tall tar strips. Clonk requires a tie-rod load impact