Steering joints testing

[daverclasper]

Hi.  Wondering the best way for this.  Reading up in in my various old school books, it says to check joints with front up and suspension on droop, which I can see as showing wear, as no load on the joints.

During past MOT's in various vehicles, I have often sat in, and rocked the steering from side to side, under load with tyres on the ground, which I can also see as a way to show wear.

Any info/tips, great please.

Thanks, Dave

 

[johny]

I always think side to side movement in the trunnions is the most important rather than up and down so get the wheel off the ground and pull it in and out at the bottom....

[daverclasper]

Thanks Johny. Yes. I do that with trunnions and also a crowbar under tyre for up and down play.

Was thinking more of ball joints (rack and track rod ends)?.

Cheers, Dave 

[johny]

I think up and down play in the trunnions isnt so worrying as they are always under load (well unless the car is off the ground😲) and I test the ball joints similarly - pull top of wheel for upper wish bone and back/front for track rods....