Execution sequence
1. We prepare the car for work («Preparing the car for maintenance and repair»).
2. Visually check the condition of the protective covers of the tie rod ends and the steering mechanism.
Recommendation. Damaged cases (torn, cracked) needs to be replaced.
3. We make sure that the steering column fixation lever is raised to the stop. Trying to move the steering wheel in a vertical plane. we check the reliability of the fastening of the steering column by the locking mechanism. If the steering column moves, remove the steering column lining («Decorative overlays of a steering column - removal and installation») use a 10 mm wrench to loosen the lever fastening bolt (thread left) and with a 17 mm wrench, tighten the nut of the axis of the steering column fixation lever. After that, tighten the bolt.
4. Trying to move the steering wheel along the axis of the steering shaft, we make sure that there is no steering wheel play on the splines of the shaft and the shaft in the steering column.
5. To check the play in the steering, turn the steering wheel to the position corresponding to driving straight ahead. We put a slotted screwdriver on the instrument panel so that its blade is located next to the steering wheel rim (for reliability, it can be fixed with masking tape). Turning the steering wheel to the right before the wheels turn (choosing backlash), and then to the left and guided by the blade of a screwdriver, chalk, pieces of wire or otherwise mark these positions on the rim. The play should not be more than 5' (or 18 mm) when measured along the outside of the rim.
Comment. Increased play indicates the need for troubleshooting. As a rule, first of all, the tie rod ends fail in the steering.
6. To check for play in the tie rod ends, have an assistant wiggle the steering wheel slightly from side to side. We put our hand on the junction of the steering rod with the swing arm of the suspension strut so that the palm touches them at the same time. When there is play in the tie rod end, a shift of the rotary lever relative to the rod will be felt.
7. We check the tightening of the nuts of the universal joint bolts of the steering column («Steering column - removal and installation»).
8. We repeat the check on the other side of the car. We replace faulty hinges («Tie Rod End - Replacement»).
9. When rocking the steering wheel from side to side, we listen to the operation of the steering mechanism. Knocking from the right edge of the steering mechanism indicates wear of the support sleeve. Faulty steering gear removed and repaired or replaced («Steering gear - removal and installation»).
10. Turn on the ignition - the warning lamp for the electric power steering malfunction should light up on the instrument panel. We start the engine. The control lamp should go out, the steering wheel should turn easily with one hand. If the lamp lights up while the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the electric amplifier and the need for its repair.
Recommendation. Repair the electric power steering should be in a specialized repair shop.