R714-160-9. Steering

  (1) The steering system must be inspected to determine if excessive wear or maladjustment of the linkage or steering gear exist. Vehicle must be on a smooth, dry, level surface. On vehicles equipped with power steering, the engine must be running and the fluid level, belt tension and condition must be adequate before testing.

  (2) When inspecting the vehicle's steering system, the inspector shall:

  (a) measure lash at steering wheel; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when steering wheel movement exceeds 2 inches for power steering, 3 inches for manual steering, or 0.4 of an inch for rack and pinion;

  (b) check the size of steering wheel; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when steering wheel is less than 13 inches in outside diameter or is not of full circular construction;

  (c) check for binding or jamming conditions by turning the steering wheel through a full right and left turn without the brake being applied; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) steering is incapable of being turned fully from right to left; or

  (B) one wheel turns before the opposite wheel;

  (d) check the condition and tension of steering belts if the vehicle is equipped with power steering; and

  (i) advise the customer when steering belts are cracked or are not properly adjusted; or

  (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when steering belts are frayed or torn;

  (e) check the condition of the power steering system, hoses, hose connections, cylinders, and valves; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) hoses or hose connections have a dripping leak; or

  (B) cylinders or valves have a dripping leak;

  (f) check the condition of the pump and check for secure mounting and proper fluid level in the reservoir; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) pump mounting parts are loose or broken;

  (B) the system is inoperative;

  (C) reservoirs have a dripping leak; or

  (D) the fluid level is below minimum fluid level indicators;

  (g) check for separation of the shear capsule from bracket and general looseness of steering wheel and column; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) the shear capsule is separated from bracket; or

  (B) the wheel and column can be moved as a unit;

  (h) check movement on tilt steering wheels; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) adjustable steering wheel cannot be secured in all positions;

  (B) steering column has 3/4 inch or more movement at the center of the steering wheel when it is in locked in position; or

  (C) steering wheel and column is on the right side of the vehicle that is not OEM or the owner does not possess a valid waiver from the safety inspection office;

  (i) check the idler arms and tie rod ends for looseness in excess of OEM specifications; and

  (i) advise the customer when tie rod grease seals are cut, torn, or otherwise damaged to the extent that lubricant will not be retained; or

  (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) there is looseness in the tie rod ends or idler arm in excess of OEM specifications; or

  (B) the tie rod is bent, causing the vehicle to be out of alignment;

  (j) conduct a thorough inspection of the complete rack and pinion system; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) there is any looseness in excess of OEM specifications;

  (B) there is any looseness in the tie rod ends in excess of OEM specifications; or

  (c) there is a dripping leak;

  (k) check the steering gear box for proper function; and

  (i) advise when the gearbox on a vehicle with manual steering has a dripping leak; or

  (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) there is looseness at the frame or mounting;

  (B) there are any cracks;

  (C) any mounting brackets are cracked;

  (D) any fasteners are missing;

  (E) there is a dripping leak; or

  (F) any welded repair is present;

  (l) check the pitman arm; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) the gearbox output shaft has movement inside the pitman arm; or

  (B) any welded repair is present;

  (m) check all wheel bearings for looseness; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when any bearing has movement of more than 1/8 inch when measured at the outer circumference of the tire; and

  (n) check all the steering components and axle nuts for required cotter pins; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when any cotter pins are missing or ineffective.