Steering Linkage
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- With the parking brake applied, carry out the following:
- Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for relative motion of the studs in the steering linkage ball sockets.
- Watch for a loose steering gear attachment to the frame.
NOTE: Excessive vertical or horizontal motion of the stud relative to the steering linkage ball sockets may indicate excessive wear. - Another method is to raise the front of the vehicle, grasp the tire at the front and rear and watch for excessive play in the joints while trying to pivot the wheels by hand.
- Joints can be checked for excessive wear by measuring the torque it takes to turn the stud.
- Separate the tapered stud from its seat and thread the attaching nut back onto the stud.
- Turn the stud with an inch-pound torque wrench and note the torque required to turn the stud.Torque Specifications
Torque Required to Turn Stud in Socket Nm Lb-in New joints 2.0 -- 5.0 18 -- 47 Used joints 0.2 -- 3.0 2 -- 26 Joints with excessive play Less than 0.2 Less than 0.2 - Install new ball joints as necessary. For additional information, Refer to FRONT article .
NOTE: Some joint turning torques will be as little as 0.2 Nm (2 lb-in) within the first 1,000 miles and will remain there for the life of the joint.NOTE: Some joint turning torques will be as little as 0.2 Nm (2 lb-in) within the first 1,000 miles and will remain there for the life of the joint.
NOTE:
Incorrect separation of the tapered stud from its seat will cause premature failure of the ball socket.