If a technician records 0 degrees of play, this means the steering system is within spec.

If a technician records 0 degrees of play, this means the steering system is within spec.

• A. Within spec.
• B. Above spec.
• C. Below spec.
• D. Not measurable.

Answer: (A)

Understanding steering play and tolerance is key here. Steering play is the amount of movement in the steering wheel before the front wheels start to respond. A reading of zero degrees means there is no detectable slack in the steering linkage—the system is tight and still within the manufacturer’s allowable range. Since the tolerance can include zero, this zero reading fits within spec and indicates the steering is functioning within accepted limits. It isn’t above spec because there’s no excess play, and it isn’t not measurable because a definite value was obtained. In short, zero degrees of play simply confirms the steering is within the allowable tolerance.

Understanding steering play and tolerance is key here. Steering play is the amount of movement in the steering wheel before the front wheels start to respond. A reading of zero degrees means there is no detectable slack in the steering linkage—the system is tight and still within the manufacturer’s allowable range. Since the tolerance can include zero, this zero reading fits within spec and indicates the steering is functioning within accepted limits. It isn’t above spec because there’s no excess play, and it isn’t not measurable because a definite value was obtained. In short, zero degrees of play simply confirms the steering is within the allowable tolerance.