Steering Wheel Free Play

With the wheels (1007) in the straight ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel (3600) to the left and right to check free play. Free play should be between 0 and 30mm (0 and 1.18 inch). If the free play exceeds this limit, either the steering joints are worn or the backlash of the steering gear (3504) is excessive. Backlash can be adjusted after removing the steering gear . Refer to Section 11-02. Grasp the steering wheel firmly and move it up and down and to the left and right to check for column bearing wear, steering shaft joint play, steering wheel looseness, or column looseness.