The best way to check is with two people, a dry steering check..Without the vehicle running, make sure you have a light even in daytime, on you knees look at every component while your friend turns the steering wheel back and forth--Look for any unnecessary movement in each steering knuckle...Also, look for discoloration in the rubber around the ends (RUSTY appearance), which is caused by heat over time and possible lack of grease if greaseable..Also, the gear box has a " centerpoint " steering adjustment..DO NOT attempt to adjust without indepth research..Good luck, Buz