Steering Linkage
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 necessary.
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, the lower steering column joints are worn or the backlash of the steering gear is excessive.
- The backlash of the steering gear cannot be adjusted, install a new steering gear.
- Grasp the steering wheel firmly and move it up and down and to the left and right without turning the wheel to check for column bearing wear, steering wheel or steering column.
CAUTION:
DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will result in the steering gear warranty to become invalid.