When inspecting the steering, pay special attention to the condition of the protective covers and threaded connections. Torn, cracked or elastic rubber covers must be replaced, otherwise water, dust and dirt that gets into the units will quickly put them out of order.
Check the position of the steering wheel spokes, which should be symmetrical relative to the vertical axis when the front wheels are straight. Otherwise, determine the cause of the malfunction and eliminate it.
Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, check visually and by ear:
- reliability of fastening of the steering gear and steering wheel;
- absence of play in the steering rod joints and ball joints of the steering rod ends;
- absence of jamming and interference that prevents the steering wheel from turning.
If you find knocking and binding, disconnect the steering rods from the steering knuckle arms and recheck. If the knocking and binding do not stop, remove the steering gear from the car and repair it.
1. Check the condition of the tie rod end protective boots. Replace any torn, cracked or loose boots.
2. Turning the steering wheel sharply in both directions (an assistant should do this), check the steering gear fastening visually and by ear. Movement of the mechanism and knocking are not allowed.
3. Check for play in the ball joints of the steering rod ends. Replace the ends whose joints have noticeable play. Also check the tightness of the nuts of the ball joint pins of the steering rod ends.
4. Check the condition of the steering rod protective covers. Replace damaged covers.
5. Check the condition of the hoses and pipes connecting the elements of the power steering system. Eliminate any leaks found.
6. Check the condition of the upper...
7. ...and the lower cardan joints of the intermediate shaft (for clarity, the location of the upper hinge is shown with the instrument panel removed).
8. Check the level and cleanliness of the working fluid in the pump tank.