Steering Linkage

NOTE: Another method is to raise the front tires off the ground, grasp the tire at the front and rear and watch for excessive play in the joints while trying to pivot the wheel by hand.

NOTE: Excessive vertical or horizontal motion of the stud relative to the steering linkage ball sockets may indicate excessive wear.

With the parking brake applied, perform the following:
- Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for relative motion of the studs in the steering linkage ball sockets.
- Watch for a loose steering gear attachment to the frame.

NOTE: Improper separation of the tapered stud from its seat will cause premature failure of the ball socket.

Steel, greaseable joints can be checked for excessive wear by measuring the torque it takes to turn the stud.

Separate the tapered stud from its seat and thread the attaching nut back onto the stud.

Turn the stud with an inch-pound torque wrench and note the torque required to turn the stud. See CHECKING TORQUE OF STEEL BALL JOINTS .

CHECKING TORQUE OF STEEL BALL JOINTS

Torque Required to Turn Stud in Socket	INCH Lbs. (N.m)
New Steel Joints	17.8-47.3 (2.0-5.3)
Used Steel Joints	5-26.5 (.5-3)
Steel Joints With Excessive Play	0-5 (0-.5)

Some joint turning torques will be as little as 0.5 N.m (5 INCH lbs.) within the first 1000 miles and will remain there for the life of the joint.
Only replace a ball joint that requires less than 0.5 N.m (5 INCH lbs.).
Replace loose, worn or damaged parts.