You can assess the technical condition of the steering while the car is moving: the steering wheel should rotate easily, without jamming, without knocking and other extraneous sounds.
To perform the work, an inspection ditch or overpass is required.
Execution sequence
1. We install the car on a viewing ditch (see «Preparing the car for maintenance and repair»).
2. Visually check the condition of the protective covers of the ends of the steering rods 1 and the steering mechanism 2.
3. Damaged cases (torn, cracked) replace (see «Tie Rod Protective Cover - Replacement»),
4. To check the play in the steering, turn the steering wheel to the position corresponding to driving straight. We lay 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, with chalk, pieces of wire or otherwise mark these positions on the rim.
Comment. The play must not exceed 5°or 18 mm (when measured along the outside of the rim). Increased play indicates the need for troubleshooting. As a rule, first of all, the tie rod ends fail in the steering.
5. When rocking the steering wheel from side to side, we listen to the operation of the steering mechanism. Knocking from the side of the steering mechanism indicates wear of the steering rod joints or a malfunction of the steering mechanism.
6. To check the absence of play in the tie rod ends, put your hand on the junction of the tip with the steering knuckle so that the palm touches them at the same time. The assistant slightly shakes the steering wheel from side to side - if there is play in the hinge, the shift of the thrust tip relative to the swing arm will be felt.
7. We repeat the test by squeezing the thrust hinge through the cover.
8. Similarly, we check the hinge and the tie rod end on the other side of the car. Faulty tips or rods with faulty hinges are replaced (see «Tie Rod End - Replacement»).
9. Check the tightening of the steering gear bolts to the subframe.
10. We start the engine. Rotating the steering wheel from side to side, we make sure that the electric power steering is working.