Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › Subtitle 22 - MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION-PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM › Chapter 11.22.03 - Preventive Maintenance Standards for Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles and Passenger Buses › Section 11.22.03.04 - Steering

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Lash. Inspection
				of vehicles equipped with power steering shall be conducted with the engine
				running, power steering fluid at the proper level, and belts in proper
				condition and tension.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) With front wheels in straight ahead position, turn
						  steering wheel observed until turning motion can be observed at the front
						  wheels. Mark rim of steering wheel and, using a pointer, turn the steering
						  wheel in the opposite direction until motion can be observed at front wheels.
						  Measure distance between mark and pointer.
(1) Measurement at rim of steering wheel exceeds the
						  following: Wheel diameter less than 21 inches-3 inches; 21 inches or
						  greater-3.5 inches.
B.
				Front Wheel Bearings. With front wheels raised, grasp wheel and tire assembly
				at top and bottom and rock wheel in and out. Wheel bearing movement is
				determined by movement of brake drum and backing plate or brake disc and
				shields. Do not confuse suspension or ball joint play with wheel bearing play.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) With front wheels raised, rock top and bottom of tire
						  and wheel assembly. Observe wheel bearing play.
(1) Wheel bearing play measured at sidewall of tire
						  exceeds 1/8 inch.
C.
				Steering Travel. Turn steering wheel through full right and full left cycle.
				The vehicle may be slowly moved or the steering wheels raised to ease
				inspection. Inspect for:
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Binding.
(1) There is binding in a cycle.
(2) Jamming.
(2) There is jamming in a cycle.
(3) Travel left and right.
(3) Travel from center to full right and center to full
						  left is not within plus or minus 1/2 revolution.
(4) Tire clearance when stops are contacted.
(4) There is less than 1 inch clearance between tire and
						  body or chassis when stops are contacted.
(5) Steering wheel conditions.
(5) Steering wheel is damaged or is not the original or
						  equivalent.
D.
				Steering Linkage. Move steering wheel left and right and observe movement in
				steering components. If the vehicle is equipped with power steering, run the
				engine. Visually inspect:
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Tie rods.
(1) Bent or welded.
(2) Tie rod ends.
(2) Loose, worn, bent, welded, or modified to disguise
						  wear.
(3) Drag link.
(3) Loose, worn, heated, or welded, unless the parts
						  manufacturer requires welding.
(4) Pitman arm.
(4) Loose, insecurely mounted, or bolts are loose or
						  missing.
(5) Steering box.
(5) Loose, insecurely mounted, or bolts are loose or
						  missing.
(6) Lock nuts.
(6) Missing or are not proper type or size.
(7) Cotter pins.
(7) Loose or improperly attached.
E.
				Power Steering System. Manually and visually inspect entire system for:
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Fluid level.
(1) Less than recommended level.
(2) Belts.
(2) Missing, loose, frayed, cracked, or incorrect
						  type.
(3) Hoses.
(3) Missing, cracked, leaking, rubbing moving parts, or
						  is improper type.
(4) Pump.
(4) Missing, not functioning, loose, or leaking.
(5) Cylinder (If applicable).
(5) Missing, not functioning, loose, or leaking.
(6) Assist function.
(6) No assist when steering wheel is turned.
(7) Steering box.
(7) Loose or leaking.
F.
				Collapsible Steering Column (if applicable). Inspect for condition and
				mounting.
Procedures:
Reject Vehicle If:
(1) Grasp steering wheel or column and attempt to move
						  horizontally and vertically.
(1) Steering column moves more than 1/4 inch either
						  horizontally or vertically.