Steering

Inside the car checks

Steering wheel and steering column:

• steering wheel is in acceptable condition
• steering wheel is securely attached to the steering shaft
• upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear
• Steering shaft is checked for excessive end float
• The clamping bolts are all checked for security
• split pins and locking nuts are also checked.
• 'free play' in the steering is checked
• All flexible couplings and universal joints are checked.

Under bonnet checks

This varies vehicle to vehicle; some of these items cannot be observed from under the bonnet on some makes and models.

• security of the steering rack or steering box and its mountings
• play in steering joints
• Inspection of any other swivel joints which form part of the vehicles' steering system which can be readily inspected from under the bonnet.

Under vehicle checks:

• All the steering joints are inspected by the Tester whilst the steering is loaded by turning the steering wheel from side to side.
• Power steering systems are checked with the engine running
• The security of attachment of the steering rack or steering box is checked both with respect to the tightness of nuts and bolts, and structural cracking or corrosion of the vehicle chassis where it is attached
• Whilst the vehicle stands on special swivel plates the wheels are turned from lock to lock and checked to ensure that the wheels and tyres do not foul either the structure of the vehicle or any brake pipes or hoses
• with the wheels jacked the wheel bearings are checked
• steering rack gaiters and front outer constant velocity joint boots are examined
• metal and/or rubber bushes are checked as are split pins, locking nuts and other locking or retaining devices which relate to steering components.

On some cars there will be rear wheel steering which is checked from beneath the car.