Steering Wheel Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check steering wheel for looseness or rattle by trying to move it in its shaft direction and lateral direction. If found defective, repair or replace.
Check steering wheel for play, holding vehicle in straight forward condition on the ground and with engine stopped. If steering wheel play is not within specification, inspect as follows and replace if found defective.
- Tie-rod end ball stud for wear
- Lower ball joint for wear
- Steering shaft joint for wear
- Steering pinion or rack gear for wear or breakage
- Each part for looseness
  Steering wheel play
  
  "a": 0-30 mm (0-1.2 in.)

Fig 1: Checking Steering Wheel For Looseness Or Rattle

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.