Steering Linkage Inspection

Steering Linkage Inspection

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle on safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.
2. Using both hands grab the joint as close to the end as possible, no more than 150 mm (6 in).
3. Apply hand pressure, approximately 445 N (100 lbs), horizontally (back and forth) in a push and pull motion several times (up and down) in a push and pull motion several times.
4. Check for any axial movement along the ball stud of the ball pivot joint:

* Tie rod ends
* Steering arm
* Relay rod
* Pitman arm

5. If the axial movement in the ball joints is larger than 1.5 mm, replace any worn or damaged pivot joints.