New steering gear

[dripley]

Just lay under the truck and have someone saw the wheel  back and forth and look at all the joints. Look for ones that have slop in them. When may track bar went the front end of the truck moved back and forth before the wheels turned. Noticed while sitting in the drive way.

[Royal Squire]

You can probably find a video if do a search 

[Haggar]

To find the bad ones.  You have to have someone you trust on the wheel to move it.  (luckily I trust Helga!!!)  (the reason you want someone paying attention, they could crush your hand if not paying attention.)

 

I put my had completely around the tie rod (ball joint or whatever components you are testing) so my hand touches both the tie rod and the steering knuckle in this example.  While Helga is "sawing" ( that is a perfect description  drip!)  the steering wheel, I close my eyes and just feel the two parts in my hand.  I am trying to feel ANY motion that is NOT what it is supposed to be doing.  In tie rods, you will feel the tie rod move, and the steering knuckle not move for a second, then move.  or if the idler arm is bad, the tie rod will wiggle a bit, or twist  as it is trying to move the wheel.

 

When the parts are brand new and tightened properly, the entire unit moves as one piece.  As the parts begin to wear, they have differential movement. 

 

I do the same with ball joints and trac bar, but have friends jump up and down on the bumper or set up ladders so they can step onto or off of the bumper etc. 

 

HTH

 

Hag