How much play is allowed in a steering wheel?

How much play is allowed in a steering wheel?

Free play in the steering linkage shall not exceed one-quarter of an inch. (1) Inspection procedure. Elevate the front end of the vehicle to load the ball joints. Insure that wheel bearings are correctly adjusted.

What’s the Free Play limit on a steering wheel?

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.

What does excessive play in the steering system mean?

Please CLICK HERE for more information. Excessive play in the steering system can be defined as: where the steering wheel can be turned more than one to one and a half inches without the wheels rotating. When the steering wheel is loose, “has play in it”, it is difficult for drivers to correctly know the position of the front wheels.

What happens when you play with the steering wheel?

Any free play in these affects the tracking and is generally displayed as uneven wear on the outside edge of the tyres. Poor tracking will also cause the vehicle to wander/drift to one side while driving or braking. The majority of light vehicles use rack and pinion steering.

What causes steering wheel free play on MOT test?

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).

When does free play in the steering system occur?

If a point on the steering wheel rim moves more than the value shown in Table 1 before perceptible return movement of the wheel under observation, there is excessive lash or free play in the steering system. Table 2. Steering Wheel Free Play Values (b) Linkage play. Free play in the steering linkage shall not exceed the values shown in Table 3.

When does a steering wheel have too much play?

When a steering wheel has too much or excessive play, it means it is loose. Drivers get confused about the actual position of the car’s front wheels. The trouble is that if the steering wheel moves one and a half-inch more, then the front wheels may refuse to move in the direction you want.

When to use Lash or free play in steering system?

Lash or free play in the steering system shall not exceed the values shown in Table 2. (1) Inspection procedure. With the engine on and the steering axle wheels in the straight ahead position, turn the steering wheel in one direction until there is a perceptible movement of the wheel.

When to use excessive steering linkage play?

Grasp the front and rear of a tire and attempt to turn the tire and wheel assemble left and right. If the free movement at the front or rear tread of the tire exceeds the applicable value shown in Table 3, there is excessive steering linkage play.