Types
of suspension covered
This inspection applies to the steering mechanism of all types of front suspension.
Where to inspect
The inspection must be carried out with the vehicle over a pit or on a raised
lift.
Power Steering
If power steering is fitted, the engine must be running for all checks requiring
steering movement.
ATL or OPTL Approved
References to the assistant’s role in this section do not apply. However an NT
may use an assistant to aid with the inspection of components if the NT considers
it necessary.
-----------------------------------
Access to steering system
As well as the underside inspection it may be necessary to open the engine
compartment to examine some steering components on some vehicles (e.g. steering
rack mounted on upper part of the bulkhead etc). If power steering is fitted,
· the engine must be running, and
· care must be taken when inspecting components in the engine compartment.
Components enclosed by gaiters
Because dismantling is not permitted, it is accepted that visual examination
of some components which are enclosed by protective gaiters will not be possible.
Steering joint dust covers
If a steering joint dust cover is split or missing greater care must be taken
when testing the joints. If no other defects are found the tester should advise
the presenter.
Types of movement
Relative movement due to excessive wear MUST be distinguished from relative
movement due to built-in clearance or spring loading of a joint.
Bonded joints
These show movement due to elasticity. Slight deterioration is acceptable.
-----------------------------------------
When to carry out these inspections
The inspections in this sub-section may be carried out at the same time as the
inspections in sub-sections 2.2B and 2.2D.
-----------------------------------------
Types of suspension covered
This sub-section applies to all suspension types.
It is important that these inspections are carried out
• with the suspension substantially in the normal running position
• on vehicles not fitted with a beam axle with the steered wheels resting
on turning plates that move freely
The use of turning plates is not mandatory for Class 5 vehicles but should be
used if available and suitable.
Vehicles with a beam axle can alternatively be raised from the ground as in Figure
1, Suspension Type Diagram, and this inspection carried out at the same time as
the inspections in sub-section 2.5a.
|
A. Free Play
1. With the road wheels on the ground pointing straight ahead, lightly turn the
steering wheel left and right as far as possible without moving the road wheel.
Check the amount of free play at the circumference of the steering wheel.
Note: Play due to wear or maladjustment must not be confused with apparent play
due to the construction of the mechanism, such as caused by the deflection of
flexible joints or spring compression in external power steering systems.
Note: The steering wheel free play limit is a general rule for standard diameter
steering wheels, (380mm). Lower or higher limits should be set with larger or
smaller diameter steering wheels.
------------------------------------------
B. Play Under Load
1. With the front road wheels on the ground ask the assistant to rock the steering
wheel in both directions firmly against resistance, examine the complete steering
mechanism.
If ATL or OPTL approved; the wheel play detectors should be used in rotational
mode for this inspection Check for
a. insecurity of any components
b. relative movement between sector shaft and drop arm
c. loose ball pin shanks
d. loose track rod end or drag link ends
e. weak or broken socket springs
f. excessive play in ball joints
Note: Play must not be regarded as excessive unless it is clear that replacement,
repair or adjustment of the component is necessary
g. excessive play at pivot points
Note: Play must not be regarded as excessive unless it is clear that replacement,
repair or adjustment of the component is necessary
h. relative movement between the steering arm and its fixings
i. the condition and security of rear wheel steering components, including front
to rear connecting shafts
j. if the rear wheel steering is inoperative, check
• the position of the rear wheels and
• whether it affects the front wheel steering.
--------------------------------------------
C. Static Inspection
1. With the road wheels on the ground and the steering wheel and system stationary.
Check for
a. wear in the neck of ball pins
b. track rod or drag link ends misaligned
c. components fractured, cracked, damaged, excessively corroded or deformed
Note: This inspection also applies to rear wheel steering systems including front
to rear connecting shafts
d. repairs, especially by welding, or evidence that excessive heat has been applied,
to steering components or structural members
Note: This inspection also applies to rear wheel steering systems including front
to rear connecting shafts
e. fluid leakage from a steering damper seal or gland
f. the presence and security of retaining and locking devices Note: Some locking
devices are not obvious. In such cases, the vehicle presenter should be informed
of any evidence of disturbance or insecurity
g. excessive corrosion, severe distortion or a fracture in the chassis or integral
body attachment area of a main steering component e.g. steering box or rack, idler
arm mounting, etc
-----------------------------------------
D. Lock to Lock Check
1. With the front steered wheels resting on unlocked turning plates and using
the steering wheel turn the steering from lock to lock and assess the steering
system for any tightness or roughness in operation.
2. With the front steered wheels resting on unlocked turning plates turn the wheels
from lock to lock. Check for
a. fouling, particularly brake hoses
b. brake hoses or brake pipes stretched or twisted
c. security and correct adjustment of lock stops if fitted
Note: Some vehicles have lock stops comprising soft metal pads on the body for
the front tyres to rub against. These are acceptable if they are properly maintained
so that they do not damage the tyres.
d. condition and security of steering rack gaiters Note: Expand steering rack
gaiters for proper examination
|
1. A point on the
rim of the steering wheel moves, without the road wheels moving, for more than
a. 75mm for non rack and pinion
b. 13mm for rack and pinion steering. Note: Where there are several joints between
the steering wheel and the rack, movement up to 48mm on a 380mm diameter wheel
may be accepted.
-------------------------------------------
1.
a. insecurity of any part fixed to the vehicle structure, e.g. steering box, rack
housing or intermediate drop arm pivot housing
b. relative movement between the sector shaft and the drop arm
c. a loose ball pin shank
d. a loose track rod or drag link end
e. a weak or broken socket spring
f. excessive play in a ball joint
g. excessive play in a pivot point (e.g. an intermediate drop arm)
h. relative movement between a steering arm and its fixings
i.
• a rear wheel steering component insecure
• excessive play in a rear wheel steering mechanism connection or ball joint
• hydraulic fluid leaking from a rear wheel steering syste
j. Inoperative rear wheel steering where,
• the rear wheels are not held substantially in the straight ahead position,
or
• the front wheel steering is adversely affected.
-------------------------------------------
1.
a. sharp or deep grooves in the neck of a ball pin
b. track rod or drag link ends seriously misaligned
c. a component fractured, cracked, damaged, excessively corroded or deformed so
that it is unserviceable
d. structural repair by welding to a steering linkage component, or signs of excessive
heat having been applied
Note: Reasons for Rejection c and d also apply to rear wheel steering. An inoperative
rear wheel steering system is not a reason for rejection if
• the rear wheels are held substantially in a straight ahead position
• the front wheel steering is not adversely affected
e. fluid leakage from a steering damper seal or gland to such an extent that it
is clear that the seal or gland has failed
f. a retaining or locking device missing or insecure
g. deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original strength,
excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture or an inadequate repair of
a load bearing member or its supporting structure or supporting panelling within
30cm of a steering component mounting, that is, within a ‘prescribed area’.
-----------------------------------------
1. Excessive tightness or roughness in the steering mechanism
2.
a. a component of the steering mechanism, road wheels or tyres fouling any part
of the vehicle
b. a brake pipe or brake hose stretched, twisted or seriously damaged
c.
• an incorrectly adjusted lock stop
• a loose, damaged or insecurely locked lock stop
d. an insecure, split or missing steering rack gaite
|
