Cardan joint (arrow) the steering shaft must not have noticeable axial and radial play
Visually inspect all steering tips
1 - Tie rod end
2 - Rotary arm / bipod
The amount of free play (A) steering wheel must not go beyond the permissible range
Assess the condition of the rubber boots (3) all pivot joints of the steering gear
Evaluation of the state of the ball pin of the tie rod end
4 - Ball pin
5 - Devices for squeezing the anther
1. Jack up the car and put it on stands.
2. Prying with a screwdriver, manually make sure that there is no axial play of the universal joint of the steering shaft (arrow). Having asked the assistant to turn the steering wheel left and right, check the hinge for the presence of radial play, which also should not take place.
3. Assess the condition of the tie rod ends (1) in the swingarms / bipod of the steering mechanism (2).
4. Estimate the backlash (A) steering wheel.
5. After wiping thoroughly, evaluate the condition of the rubber anthers (3) articulated joints of steering gear components. In case of detection of cracks, traces of the development of leaks and other defects, the corresponding hinges must be replaced as an assembly - simply replacing the anther is only allowed with absolute certainty that dirt could not get inside the hinge.
6. Assessment of the state of ball pins (4) steering tips can be made by squeezing out the anthers using a special tool (5).