What is an alternate procedure for inspecting steering linkage for looseness?

An alternate procedure for inspecting steering linkage for looseness is known as the dry park check. This method involves inspecting the steering components without the vehicle being in motion, typically while it is parked on a level surface. During a dry park check, the technician will manually move the steering wheel back and forth to see if there is any abnormal play in the steering linkage.

This method is particularly useful because it allows for a visual inspection of the components while they are at rest, making it easier to identify any excessive movement or wear in the joints and links of the steering system. Observing the movement of the steering wheel in this way can help in detecting looseness that may not be as noticeable when the vehicle is in motion.

In contrast, the other procedures mentioned involve different approaches or conditions that might not directly identify looseness. For instance, the steering link check typically focuses on specific components rather than the overall system while dry park check offers a broader inspection. The steering movement check might assess how the steering responds during actual vehicle operation rather than in a stationary state, and the lock-to-lock check involves turning the steering wheel from one extreme to the other to evaluate the steering response and could miss subtle looseness present in certain components.