Note: The test procedures described below must be performed on both sides of the vehicle.
1. Center the steering wheel and install the flywheel locking tool.
2. Remove the wheels from the car.
3. Check steering play by moving the tie rod end back and forth (in the direction of the arrow in the figure).
4. If play is detected:
- Loosen the tie rod end nut.
- Remove the small boot collar.
- Move the steering gear boot to gain access to the tie rod ball joint.
5. Check clearance on tie rod ball joint:
- grab the tie rod, resting your thumb on the ball joint,
- moving the steering rod in the longitudinal direction, check for play
6. If there is no play in the ball joint:
- Install the duster in place.
- Install a new small boot clamp.
7. If play is found, replace the ball joint tie rod.
8. Again check for backlash by moving the tie rod end in the longitudinal direction.
9. If play is present even after replacing the ball joint tie rod, replace the tie rod end.
10. Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
11. Check for play of the ball joint pin in the direction of the arrows in the figure.
12. If play is detected, replace the tie rod end.
13. Check vehicle wheel alignment (see chapter 16 "Suspension")