Checking the condition of the steering gear
1. Check the free play "a" of the steering wheel (figure 1.28). Turn the steering wheel from left to right from start to finish. If the free play is greater than the permissible limit, check the free play of the steering rods and correct it.
Figure 1.28. Checking the steering wheel free play.
2. Visually check the steering rods and ball joints 1 for damage and correct fastening (figure 1.29). Check the runout of the ball joints by pressing and pushing them in different directions with your hand. If the runout is greater than the permissible limit, they must be replaced.
Figure 1.29. Checking the steering gear parts: 1 - Ball joints; 2 - Tie rod end; 3 - Barbell; 4, 5. Steering knuckle arms.
3. Check the steering rod ends and rods 2 and 3, steering knuckle arms and steering rods 4 and 5 for damage and correct fastening.
Allowable free play "a" of the steering wheel: 30 mm.
Permissible runout of ball joints: 2 mm.
Checking the Power Steering Fluid Level
4. Remove the cap from the power steering fluid reservoir (figure 1.30). Check the lid seal for damage and replace it if necessary.
5. Remove the 2nd fluid level indicator (figure 1.30).
6. Wipe the 2nd fluid level indicator with a rag, insert it into the tank again and, removing it again, check the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the "min" and "max" marks at the same temperature.
7. Adjust the liquid level by adding or sucking it out.
8. Tighten the tank cap.
Figure 1.30. Power steering fluid reservoir.