Section 305.29. Steering and suspension.

 

(1)  The steering and suspension of every motor vehicle shall be maintained in proper working condition and in conformity with this section and s. 347.455 , Stats.

(2)  The steering linkage may not be worn, jammed or bind, nor shall the steering system have excessive lash. Lash of more than 1/8 of one complete turn of the steering wheel is excessive.

(3)  The belts assisting the power steering unit shall be in proper working condition and may not be missing, loose, or excessively frayed or cracked.

(4)  The power steering unit shall be in proper working condition. No portion of a power steering unit or steering linkage may be disconnected. The power steering unit shall contain the proper fluid levels. All hoses and connections shall be in proper working condition and will have no leaks or visible cuts or cracks.

(5)  

(a) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a steering wheel the same size as the one with which the vehicle was manufactured or a replacement not less than 13 inches in diameter. Every homemade and reconstructed vehicle registered after January 1, 1975, shall have a steering wheel of not less than 13 inches in diameter.

(b) All steering wheels shall be in proper working condition. The steering wheel shall be secured to the steering shaft by a locking device which prevents accidental removal. All steering wheels will be positioned to be operated with the driver seated in the front seat.

(6)  All springs, shackles and cross stabilization linkage, including torsion bars, shall be in proper adjustment and may not be loose, disconnected or broken.

(7)  

(a) Every motor vehicle originally manufactured with shock absorbing devices and every homemade and reconstructed vehicle registered on or after January 1, 1975, shall have shock absorbing devices which function at suspension points.

(b) All shock absorbing devices shall be in proper and effective working condition, free of leaks, and securely attached to the unit mountings. The mountings and housings may not be loose or weakened. Shock absorbing devices are ineffective when the vehicle continues a free rocking motion for more than 2 cycles. The inspection procedure for shock absorbing devices is as follows: With the vehicle on a level surface, push down on one corner of the vehicle and release. Note the number of cycles of free rocking motion. Repeat the procedure at the other corners of the vehicle.

(8)  Extended shackles in excess of 2 inches beyond original manufacturer's specifications is an unsafe modification and may not be used. Extended shackles up to 2 inches shall provide the same level of support and stability as provided by original equipment.

(9)  No vehicle may be operated noticeably out of alignment.

History: Cr. Register, February, 1996, No. 482 , eff. 3-1-96; am. (2), (6) and (7) (b), Register, October, 1997, No. 502 , eff. 11-1-97.