- free play (backlash) steering wheel, which must not exceed 5° (when measured along the wheel rim no more than 18-20 mm);
- steering force (when installing the front wheels on a smooth plate), which should not exceed 25 kgf; whether there are knocks in the hinges, joints and steering mechanism;
- fastening strength of the steering gear housing, pendulum arm bracket (tighten threaded connections if necessary).
In addition, make sure that there is no play in the ball joints of the rods and in the pendulum arm bracket, and the worm shaft does not move in the axial direction.
Then, turning the adjusting couplings of the side rods, check the reliability of tightening their clamps. After that, the condition of the ball joints and rubber protective caps is checked, as indicated below.
Checking the ball joints of the steering rods
First of all, the movement of the tips along the axis of the fingers is checked. To do this, using a lever and support, move the tip parallel to the axis of the finger. The axial movement of the tip relative to the finger should be 1-1.5 mm. This movement indicates that the finger insert is not wedged in the tip socket and moves with the finger, compressing the spring. The hinge with a wedged insert is replaced.
By turning the steering wheel in both directions, the absence of play in the ball joints of the steering rods is checked by touch. If play is felt, then replace the tips or tie rod assembly.
Check the condition of the protective caps of the ball joints of the steering rods
The cap is replaced if it has cracks, tears or delamination of the rubber from the edging, and also if the lubricant penetrates when squeezed by hand.
Checking and adjusting the clearance in the steering gear worm bearings. To check, set the front wheels to the straight-ahead position. Then, turning the steering wheel in both directions, check whether the distance between the end of the crankcase 13 (see fig. 124) steering gear and shaft tip. A change in distance is a sign of clearance in the worm bearings.
To adjust the clearance in the worm bearings, turn the steering wheel 1-1.5 turns to the left, unscrew the bolts securing the bottom cover 17 (see fig. 125) and drain the oil from the steering gear housing. After removing the cover, remove the shim 18 or replace it with a thinner one. After that, having fixed the bottom cover, they again check if there is any axial movement of the worm in the bearings. If there is no movement, pour oil into the crankcase and check the force of turning the steering wheel (setting the front wheels on a smooth slab), which should not exceed 25 kgf.
Checking and adjusting the gap in the engagement of the roller with the worm
After making sure that there is no axial movement of the worm in the bearings, puller A.47035 (pic. 128) press out the pins of the ball joints from the steering arm and disconnect the side and middle links from it, while maintaining the rectilinear position of the front wheels.
Shaking the bipod, check if there is a gap in the engagement of the roller and the worm. When the steering wheel is turned 30°to each side of the neutral position, there should be no play, i.e. appreciable play of the steering arm. If you feel the free play of the steering arm, loosen the nut 3 (see fig. 125) adjusting screw and, lifting the lock washer, wrap the adjusting screw 2 until the gap is eliminated. It is not recommended to overtighten the adjusting screw. Then, holding the adjusting screw with a screwdriver, tighten the nut 3.
After making sure that the bipod does not have free play, connect the fingers of the ball joints with it and check the force of turning the steering wheel. If it exceeds 25 kgf, loosen the adjusting screw 2.