OOSC, Part II, Item 8. Steering Mechanisms, (j) Steering System

Currently when conducting a Level I CVSA inspection, it includes step 28 “Check steering system” which is conducted with the vehicle off, and as well step 35 “Check steering wheel lash” which is conducted with the vehicle running. At no time during the inspection procedure is a check of the Travel conducted in order to enable inspectors to check for a condition or modification which will “interfere with the free movement of any steering component” as identified in the OOSC Part II, Item 8 Steering Mechanisms, (j)Steering Systems.

NSC Standard 11 Section 4 Item 2 identifies Travel as an inspection items, and even goes so far as to identify how this inspection is conducted by “turning steering wheel through a full right and left turn. If the vehicle has manual steering, jack the vehicle up on its axle”. Further, this section instructs inspectors to check for the operation and to reject and as well be out of service if it “binds or jams during cycle”. All power steering assisted steering systems should be able to conduct such a test with ease and they are designed to be able to perform such a task. This test is confirmed in NSC Standard 11 with only manual steering being identified as unable to conduct such a test with the weight of the vehicle on the tires. If a power steering system is unable to perform such a task it may be a condition of loading (Front axle weight is in excess of the manufacturers allowable weight rating) or a condition in the pumps, gearbox etc which is “interfering with the free movement” both of which in the interest of safety concerns me.

It is the writers opinion that the North American Level 1 Inspection Procedure should include an additional step to include checking of the steering travel as identified by NSC Standard 11 Section 4 Item 2 to ensure the proper operation of the steering mechanisms.