Sequence of execution
1. Place the vehicle on an inspection pit or overpass (see "Preparing a car for maintenance and repair").
2. Rock the steering wheel alternately in both directions. Free play of the steering wheel (before the car's wheels start turning) should not exceed 5° in one direction, which corresponds to a wheel rim movement of 18-20 mm. The wheel turning force should not exceed 196 N (20 kgf), with the recommended tire and asphalt pressure under the wheels.
Play or tight rotation of the steering wheel is eliminated by adjusting the engagement in the steering gear reducer (see below "Steering gear engagement - adjustment") or tightening loose threaded connections of mechanism parts.
3. Press the brake pedal, rock the steering wheel left and right and make sure there are no knocks from the parts. If knocks are heard, then their cause is weak tightening of the threaded connections or wear of the ball joints of the steering rods.
4. Check the condition of the steering components underneath the vehicle.
5. Before checking, use a rag to clean the mudguards of the steering rod joints and steering gear parts.
6. Check the reliability of the mounting of the pendulum arm bracket and the steering gear reducer to the car body, tighten the mounting bolts if necessary.
7. Check for axial and radial play in the pendulum arm axis by shaking it with your hands. If play is detected, replace the pendulum arm assembly (see "Pendulum arm - replacement").
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8. Inspect the condition of the mudguards of the steering rod joints. Cracks, tears or separation of the cover from the metal edging are not allowed.
9. Check the movement of the tips along the axis of the fingers. The amount of movement should not exceed 1-1.5 mm.
10. Check for the absence of play in the ball joints by sharply shaking the rods with your hands.
11. If any defects in the steering rods are detected, replace them (see "Steering rods - replacement").