Chevrolet 1977 light duty truck Service Manual page 199

CONDITION
Excessive Play or Looseness in
Steering System.
Excessive looseness in tie rod
or intermediate rod pivots, or
excessive vertical lash in idler
support.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Front wheel bearings loosely
adjusted.
Worn steering shaft couplings.
Worn upper ball joints.
Steering wheel loose on shaft,
loose pitman arm, tie rods,
steering arms or steering linkage
ball studs.
Steering gear thrust bearings
loosely adjusted.
Excessive over-center lash in
steering gear.
Worn intermediate rod or tie rod
sockets.
Seal damage and leakage
resulting in loss of lubricant,
corrosion and excessive wear.
CORRECTION
Adjust bearings to obtain proper
end play.
Replace part.
Check and replace if necessary.
Tighten to specified torque,
or replace if necessary.
Adjust preload to specification.
Adjust preload to specification.
Replace worn part.
Replace damaged parts as
necessary. Properly position upon
reassembly.