2. Visually inspect the ball joint dust boot and rack and pinion boot for cracks, abrasions and ageing. Any wear on these boots will result in loss of lubricant and ingress of water and dirt, leading to rapid wear of the ball joints or steering gear.
3. Check the power steering gear hoses for chafing or aging, and pipes and hose connections for leaks. Also pressure test the steering gear protectors for signs of leakage that indicate damage to the steering seal.
4. Raise the car with a jack, take the wheel with your hands at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions and try to shake it in a vertical plane. Very little wheel play is acceptable, but if the play is large enough, further testing is needed to determine the cause.
5. Continue pumping the wheel while the assistant applies the foot brake. If the play is eliminated or significantly reduced, then the hub bearings are probably damaged. If the play is still significant with the brake applied, then there is wear in the connection and suspension mount.
6. Now take the wheel to the 9 and 3 o'clock position and try to rock it in a horizontal plane. The presence of play in the horizontal plane can be caused by wear of the hub bearing or tie rod ball joints. If the outer or inner ball joint is worn, play will be evident.
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