When inspecting for excessive steering play, which components are typically examined?

• A. Brake pads and rotors.
• B. Suspension struts only.
• C. Tie rods, ball joints, steering gear, pitman arm, idler arm.
• D. Engine mounts.

Answer: (C)

Excessive steering play comes from looseness in the steering linkage, the parts that directly translate the steering wheel input into wheel movement. The correct items to inspect are the tie rods and their ends, the ball joints at the ends of the control arms, the steering gear itself (rack and pinion or recirculating ball), and the pivot joints that connect the gear to the linkage—the pitman arm and the idler arm. Worn or loose tie rod ends let the wheel move before the steering gear takes up slack; worn ball joints allow vertical or lateral play in the knuckle; internal wear in the steering gear creates backlash between steering wheel input and wheel movement; and worn or loose pitman or idler arms introduce play in the linkage before the wheels respond. To inspect, check each component for looseness, play, cracks, or damaged mounting, using firm manual movement to feel for any excessive movement. These parts are the ones most likely to produce steering slop; brake pads/rotors, engine mounts, and suspension struts aren’t the primary sources of steering play.