Steering Linkage Inspection

Tools Required

• J 45101  Hub and Wheel Runout Gauge
• J 42640  Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

1. Elevate the left front of the vehicle and install suitable vehicle support maintaining contact between the right front tire/wheel assembly and the shop floor.
Fig 1: Locking/Unlocking Steering Column
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
2. Position the wheels in a straight-ahead position and install J 42640  steering column anti-rotation pin.
Fig 2: Dial Indicator Between Outer Tie Rod And Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
3. Install a dial indicator between the steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering knuckle as shown and push slowly inward with one hand to remove the lash.
4. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward on the tire, and note the amount of movement in the joint.

   The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).

Fig 3: View Of Dial Indicator Between Outer Tie Rod End And Jam Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
5. Install the dial indicator between the steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering linkage inner tie rod nut and attach the other end to the relay rod as shown and push slowly inward on the tire with one hand to remove the lash.
6. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward, and note the amount of movement in the joint.

   The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).

Fig 4: View Of Dial Indicator Between Pitman Arm And Relay Rod
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
7. Install the dial indicator between the pitman arm and the relay rod as shown and push slowly inward on the tire with one hand to remove the lash.
Fig 5: Measuring Amount Of Movement In The Left Side Joint
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
8. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward, and note the amount of movement in the joint.

   The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).

Fig 6: Elevating Right Front Of Vehicle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
9. Elevate the right front of vehicle and install a suitable vehicle support maintaining contact between the left front tire/wheel assembly and the shop floor.
Fig 7: Installing A Dial Indicator Between The Outer Tie Rod And Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
10. Install a dial indicator between the steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering knuckle as shown and push slowly inward with one hand to remove the lash.
Fig 8: Noting Amount Of Movement In Right Side Joint
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
11. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward, and note the amount of movement in the joint.

    The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).

Fig 9: Installing Dial Indicator Between Outer Tie Rod End & Relay Rod
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
12. Install the dial indicator between the steering linkage outer tie rod end and the relay rod as shown and push slowly inward with one hand to remove the lash.
Fig 10: Noting Amount Of Movement In Right Side Tie Rod End
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
13. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward, and note the amount of movement in the joint.

    The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).