Steering Linkage

With the parking brake applied, carry out the following:
1. 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.
2. Watch for a loose steering gear attachment to the frame.
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 wheels by hand.

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

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.

NOTE: Some joint turning torques will be as little as 0.2 Nm (2 lb-in) within the first 1,000 miles and will remain there for the life of the joint.

Turn the stud with an inch-pound torque wrench and note the torque required to turn the stud.

TURNING TORQUE SPECIFICATION

Torque Required to Turn Stud in Socket	Nm	Lb-In
New joints	2.0-5.0	18-47
Used joints	0.2-3	2-26
Joints with excessive play	Less than 0.2	Less than 0.2

NOTE: Only install a new ball joint if the stud torque is less than 0.2 Nm (2 lb-in) and the joint has any play when moved by hand.

Install new ball joints as necessary. For additional information, refer to FRONT in Suspension .