How are Steering Center Link issues diagnosed?
When diagnosing a clunking or popping noise from the front end, the centerlink, as well as all other front end components, will be checked for excess movement, and lack of firmness in the ball joints. If the centerlink is found to move too easily, or the technician can manipulate the centerlink to replicate the noise, it will be replaced.
How are Steering Center Links replaced?
The type of centerlink will determine the service procedure. If the centrelink has service end links, those will be replaced but loosening a clamp, using a ball joint separator to remove the ball joint from the idler arm and pitman arm, and finally unscrewing the end link from the centerlink. If the centerlink is one solid piece, the centerlink will be separated from the vehicle using a ball joint seperator on all four ball joints after removing the fasteners for those ball joints. Once removed, the new centrelink is installed, the ball joints are torqued to specification, and the vehicle is checked for proper alignment.
RepairPal Recommendations for Steering Center Link issues
When inspecting the steering centerlink for faulty ball joints, it is important to check that the ball joint retaining nut is tightened to specification if movement is found.
What to look out for when dealing with Steering Center Link issues
Though the centerlink looks like a strong place to place a jack, lifting a vehicle from the steering centerlink will likely cause warpage in the centrelink, or separation of one or more ball joints. Beside these hazards, if the center link ball joints fail, the vehicle could collapse while lifting.
Can I replace the Steering Center Link myself?
With a good set of ball joint separators, changing the centerlink is a very easy job. The average DIYer could inspect, diagnose, and repair a failed centrelink without difficulty as long as all safety precautions are exercised, and the proper tooling is used.
