Plain Text Law

Regulation .04 Steering, Alignment, and Suspension.

Regulation .04 Steering, Alignment, and Suspension.Copy Citation

A.
Steering. Inspect the entire steering system including steering wheel, steering column, lash, linkage, free play, and power steering, if so equipped, for missing, loose, damaged, or worn parts.
(1)
Steering Wheel. The steering wheel shall be inspected to determine if it is circular (complete rim) and free of cracks, breaks, or objects that will interfere with the safe steering of the vehicle. The inspection must determine that the steering wheel is original equipment or equivalent, including diameter.
(2)
Steering Column. Inspection of steering column shall be made to determine if there are any missing, broken, or worn parts and if the column is securely attached to vehicle. If equipped with an energy absorbing steering column, inspect to determine if steering column is capable of functioning as designed and shows no indication of having been collapsed.
(3)
Lash.
(4)
Travel.
(5)
Linkage.
(6)
Power Steering (If so equipped).
Linkage Play. Excessive free play causes wheel shimmy, erratic brake action, and steering control problems. Make sure any looseness detected is not wheel bearing free play.
B.
Wheel Alignment.
C.
Suspension. Inspect the suspension system for missing, broken, damaged, worn, rusted, or modified wheel bearings, ball joints, control arms, springs, torsion bars, or frame that would affect vehicle stability.
(1)
Frame/Unibody.
(2)
Ball Joints. In checking for motion of ball joints, check in accordance with manufacturer's procedures and specifications. When required for testing, a 12-inch to 18-inch pry bar shall be utilized which is sufficient to lift the weight of the wheel assembly and prevent excessive pressure or leverage resulting in a possible false reading.
(3)
Wheel Bearings. Wheel bearings worn or out of adjustment can cause wander, unequal brake action, and noise due to interference of parts.
(4)
Springs and Torsion Bars. Loose, sagging, or broken springs or torsion bars, worn or deteriorated bushings, loose or extended shackles, and loose or mislocated U-bolts, suspension modifications, or broken center bolts, can cause vehicle handling instability and brake pull.
(5)
Shock Absorbers and Struts.