Play in the tie-rod ball joints of a vehicle’s steering system can detract from steering
responsiveness and cause the steering wheel to vibrate unpleasantly. Check the ball joints
for play in accordance with the following procedure:
- Point the front wheels straight ahead.
- Raise the vehicle.
- Grasp one of the front wheels with both hands and try to move it in the left-turn and rightturn directions. Any movement indicates play in the ball joint.
- 4. Check the rubber boot at the end of the tie-rod for the following abnormalities:
• Cracks and deterioration
• Grease leakage - Check the tie-rod end for damage.
- Perform steps 3 and 5 with the other front wheel.
NOTE:
Check for play visually as well as physically
NOTE:
• If the ball joint is dirty, wipe it with a shop towel to make the condition of the boot easier to
see.
• Leaking grease can be blackened by dirt. After wiping the boot, check whether the dirt on
the shop towel is greasy. Also, check whether the dirt contains metal particles.
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