Figure 12-10. - Portable turntable.

Figure 12-11. - Mechanical toe-measuring gauge.

3. Grasp the idler arm and try to work it up and down; then try to spread the tires apart while watching the steering linkage, (fig. 12-1 2). In either case, you should not see excessive movement. Inspect the tie rod ends for uncontrolled movement.

4. Check the upper and lower control arm bushing for wear or looseness. Either defect will contribute to improper alignment. Repair as needed.

5. Inspect the upper and lower ball joints. You are checking the axial and radial play. Make sure either does not exceed the manufacturer's specifications. Inspect one wheel at a time in the following manner: (A) If the lower ball joint carries the load (spring rides on the lower control arm) (fig. 12-13, A), place the jack under the lower control arm. If the upper ball joint carries the load (spring mounted on top of the upper control arm) (fig. 12-13, B), put the jack under the vehicle frame. (B) Using a pry bar under the tire, work it up and down while watching for movement at the ball joints. This is axial

Figure 12-12. - Checking the steering linkage.

Figure 12-13. - Checking ball joints for wear.

play. (C) While holding the wheel at the top and bottom, push in at the top and pullout on the bottom; then reverse the procedure. You are checking for radial play. Some ball joints have wear indicators. The nipple that the grease fitting is threaded into sticks out of the ball joint