2. Turn the steering wheel in both directions until the wheels begin to move. This free play, measured around the circumference of the steering wheel, is the steering wheel clearance. The acceptable value is 30 mm.
3. If the measured steering wheel clearance is greater than the permissible value, check the clearance of the steering shaft and steering rods.
4. If the clearance is still greater than the allowable value, turn off the engine and set the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position. Apply a force of 5 N to the outer circumference of the steering wheel and check the clearance again (Figure 13.2). Allowable value (steering wheel clearance with the engine off): 10 mm or less.
Figure 13.2. Checking the steering wheel clearance
5. If the clearance is greater than the permissible value, remove the steering gear and check the gear rotation torque.
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