Checking the technical condition of the steering
Rotate the steering wheel to set the front wheels to the straight-ahead position
Place a screwdriver on the instrument panel with the tip pointing towards the rim of the steering wheel at its highest point.
Rotate the steering wheel in both directions until resistance appears (the wheels themselves do not turn).
Using the tip of the screwdriver as a guide, mark the limits of the steering wheel free play on the rim with chalk.
Using a tape measure, measure the distance along the wheel rim between the marks.
If the steering wheel free play is more than 90 mm (which corresponds to 25°) or 75 mm (20°) for buses, it is necessary to ensure that the increase in free play is not caused by wear of the steering rod joints and the propeller shaft, play in the front wheel bearings, as well as loosening of the steering arm nut, joint pin nuts, propeller shaft wedges and other fasteners.
To do this, check the tightness of the steering nuts and bolts, and tighten them if necessary.
The ball joint and propeller shaft nuts must be tightened and cottered.
When rotating the steering wheel, check for play in the ball joints of the rods.
Similarly, check the play in the universal joints of the steering shaft.
Replace faulty parts with worn joints.
If, after eliminating the above-mentioned play, the free play exceeds the permissible standards, adjust the steering mechanism (see Removing the steering mechanism).
Adding oil to the steering gear housing
Use a 12mm hex wrench to unscrew the filler plug
Use an oil syringe to add transmission oil up to the lower edge of the filler hole
Replace and tighten the plug.
Lubricating the propeller shaft joints
The propeller shaft joints are lubricated through grease nipples.
In the engine compartment, clean the three universal joints from dirt.
Using a grease gun, pump grease through the grease nipple valves into each of the three joints until grease is forced out of the seals.
If grease does not come out somewhere, it means the grease nipple's lubrication channel is clogged.
Then, use an 8mm wrench to unscrew the grease nipple.
Wash it in kerosene and blow it out with compressed air.
By pressing the valve ball with a thin rod, check that it is movable and seals the grease nipple channel under the spring's action.
Replace a faulty grease nipple.
Similarly, lubricate the shaft joint located under the instrument panel.
For power steering, see the article – Changing the oil in the hydraulic booster GAZ-2705
