Sequence of execution
1. Prepare the car for work (see "Preparing the car for maintenance and repair").
2. Visually check the condition of the protective covers of the steering rod ends and steering gear.
Recommendation. Damaged covers (torn, cracked) needs to be replaced.
3. Make sure that the steering column locking lever is raised to the stop. By trying to move the steering wheel in a vertical plane, we check the reliability of the steering column fastening by the locking mechanism. If the steering column moves, remove the steering column pads (see "Decorative steering column trims - removal and installation") and using a 13 mm wrench, tighten the nut of the steering column locking lever axle.
4. Trying to move the steering wheel along the axis of the steering shaft, we make sure that there is no play in the steering wheel 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 straight-ahead driving. Place a flat-blade screwdriver on the instrument panel so that its blade is located next to the steering wheel rim (for reliability, you can secure it with masking tape). Turn the steering wheel to the right until the wheels start to turn (choosing backlash), and then to the left and using a screwdriver blade, chalk, wire pieces or some other method as a guide, 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.
Note: Increased play indicates the need to find and fix the problem. As a rule, the first thing to fail in the steering system is the tie rod ends.
6. To check for play in the tie rod ends, have the assistant gently rock the steering wheel from side to side. Place your hand on the junction of the steering rod and the suspension strut pivot arm so that your palm touches them simultaneously. If there is play in the steering rod end, you will feel a shift in the steering arm relative to the rod.
7. Check the tightening of the nuts of the steering column universal joint bolts (see "Steering column - removal and installation").
8. Repeat the check on the other side of the car. We replace faulty hinges (see "Tie Rod End - Replacement").
9. While rocking the steering wheel from side to side, listen to the operation of the steering mechanism. A knock from the right edge of the steering mechanism indicates wear of the support bushing. We remove and repair or replace the faulty steering mechanism (see "Steering gear - removal and installation").
10. Turn on the ignition - the electric power steering malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument panel should light up. We start the engine. The indicator light should go out and the steering wheel should be easy to turn with one hand. If the lamp lights up while the engine is running, this indicates that the electric power steering is faulty and needs to be repaired.
Recommendation. The electric power steering should be repaired in a specialized repair shop.