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