Checking the condition of the steering should be carried out together, on a flyover or inspection ditch. First of all, you need to make sure that the steering wheel spoke is horizontal when the wheels are in a straight line. If the spoke deviates from the horizontal, it is necessary to determine the cause of the malfunction and eliminate it. Basically, this malfunction occurs due to improper assembly of the steering mechanism and it is necessary to contact a service station to fix it.
Turning the steering wheel from lock to lock, by inspection and by ear it is necessary to check:
- reliability of fastening of the steering mechanism and steering wheel; lack of play in rubber-metal hinges 14 (see fig. 76) and in ball joints 2 steering rods;
- reliability of tightening and locking of bolts 7 for fastening the rods to the rail and nuts of the pins of ball joints 2;
- lack of jamming and interference preventing the steering wheel from turning.
Loose connections must be tightened.
If knocks and jams are found, it is necessary to disconnect the rods from the swing arms of the telescopic suspension struts and repeat the test. After making sure that knocks and jams come from the steering, you need to remove it from the car and replace it with a new one or have it repaired at a service station.
Rubber-to-metal joints must be replaced if the rubber bushings are bulging, torn or loose (backlash) in hinges.
If the protective cap of the ball joint of the steering rod has cracks, the cap must be replaced by first putting grease ShRB-4 into it. It is also necessary to change the cap if, when squeezing it with your hands, the lubricant comes out.
You should make sure that the protective cover 11 is fastened securely and that it is tight. When turning the steering wheel, it is necessary to check whether the protective cover has swellings and pinches. Otherwise, it is necessary to determine the cause of the malfunction and eliminate it.