OOSC, Part II, Item 9. Steering Mechanisms, g. Ball and Socket Joints

Excessive rotational movement,looseness and wear in the ball joints of the drag links and tie rods. Federal Reg 393.209(d) Steering Systems states \"Universal joints and ball-and-socket joints shall not be worn, faulty or repaired by welding.\" The OOS Criteria states \"Any motion, other than rotational, between linkage member and its attachment point of more than 1/8 inch measured with hand pressure only.

If a ball joint is worn or damaged, it will not allow the steering mechanism to fluidly turn the wheels in response to the driver. If the ball joint and socket are wearing out, the ball joint will become smaller while the size of gap in the socket will increase. This will increase the tolerance in the joint and make steering feel loose or sloppy. If a ball joint fails, the results can be dangerous as the wheel's angle becomes unconstrained, causing loss of control. Excessively worn ball and socket joints can break, causing the wheel to collapse and control of the vehicle to be lost.

To emphasize the need for proper care and maintenance of all the steering components, to include the drag links, tie rods and ball joints, by adding the following to the regulations: 1)A non-OOS violation for a damaged or missing protective cover or rubber boot, to help retain lubrication and to help prevent debris, dirt and road grime from entering the joint and causing early joint wear and failure. 2) An OOS violation for rotation, of 1/2 inch or greater, due to excessive wear or increased tolerance in the joint knuckle.