The steering linkage consists of the following components:
The turning motion of the steering wheel is transmitted through the
steering gear and the pitman arm to the relay rod.
Inspect the following conditions whenever any steering linkage components
are repaired or replaced:
| • | The front end alignment |
Refer to
Front Caster Adjustment
or
Front Camber Adjustment
or
Front Toe Adjustment
in
Wheel Alignment.
Relay Rod
The relay rod has a ball joint at each end. The relay rod connects to
the forward steering arm on the left side.
The tie rod extends the length of the axle. The tie rod connects the
left and the right steering arms. This arrangement provides control of the
right wheel.
The overall condition of the steering linkage affects the steering performance.
The following conditions may cause poor steering performance:
| • | Poorly lubricated parts |
Tie Rod
The tie rod assembly consists the following components:
The tie rod ends thread into the tube. Clamps secure the tied rod end
to the tube. The right and left hand threads provide a convenient method of
adjusting the toe-in. Replace the tie rod ends when any of the
following conditions are noted:
| • | An excessive up and down motion is present |
| • | Excessive end play at the ball end of the stud is present |
| • | Loss of motion at the ball end of the stud is present |
Before any repair is undertaken, note the position of the tie rod end
clamps and the direction from which the bolts are installed. Reinstall the
parts in the proper position in order to avoid interference with the adjacent
parts of the vehicle.
