Steering Gear Free Play

1. The (A) steering gear is mounted to the engine compartment bulkhead with (B) steering gear insulators and (C) steering gear mounting brackets. The steering gear insulators permit limited lateral movement of the steering gear housing when the vehicle is steered. With the wheels normally loaded (on the ground), check for excessive movement.
2. If the steering gear housing moves more than 1.5mm (0.05 inch), the steering gear insulators may have deteriorated or the steering gear mounting bracket nuts may have loosened. Tighten the steering gear mounting bracket nuts. If the steering gear housing movement is still excessive after tightening the steering gear mounting bracket nuts, replace the steering gear insulators.