- Maximum clearance: 30 mm
Checking the steering wheel's independent return to the center position
1. Make sure that the force required to turn and return the steering wheel to the center position does not depend on the direction and smoothness of rotation.
2. When the car is moving at a speed of 20-30 km/h, turn the steering wheel 90° and hold it in this position for a couple of seconds. After release, the steering wheel should return to the +20° range from the middle position on its own.
Note: When turning sharply, there may be a momentary feeling of some "heaviness" of the steering wheel, but this is not considered a malfunction. (This feeling occurs due to the low performance of the power steering pump at low engine speeds.)
Checking the breaking moment of the ball joints of the steering rod ends
1. Using the special tool, disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
2. Rock the ball joint pin from side to side several times.
3. Screw two nuts onto the ball joint pin and measure the moment the ball joint breaks away.
- Nominal value 0.5-2.5 Nm
4. If the obtained value is greater than the upper limit of the nominal value, replace the tie rod end.
5. If the obtained value is less than the lower limit of the nominal value, check the ball joint for significant clearances or jamming and, if necessary, replace the tie rod end.