General steering inspection

When there is a malfunction in the steering (knocks, increased free play of the steering wheel or, conversely, its tight rotation, etc.) inspect the steering parts. Inspection is carried out on a flyover or inspection ditch in the following order

Clean the steering drive parts and the steering gear housing from contamination. Set the wheels to a straight ahead position.

Turning the steering wheel in both directions, make sure that:

• steering wheel free play does not exceed 5° (when measured along the wheel rim no more than 18-20 mm). When performing this operation, use tool 67 8720.9501;
• no knocking occurs at hinges, joints and steering mechanism;
• mount the steering gear housing and swing arm bracket firmly (retighten screw connections if necessary);
• there is no free play in the ball joints of the rods and in the bracket of the pendulum lever, and the worm shaft does not move in the axial direction;
• steering force (when installing the front wheels on a smooth plate) does not exceed 196 N (20 kg), 245 N (25 kgf).

Turning the adjusting couplings of the side rods, make sure that their collars are tightened securely.

Check the condition of the ball joints and protective caps as indicated below.