Steering Wheel
On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceCHECKING CONDITION OF INSTALLATION
^ Check installation condition of steering gear assembly, front suspension, axle and steering column.
^ Check if movement exists when steering wheel is moved up and down, to the left and right and to the axial direction.
End play of the axle direction for steering wheel: 0 mm (0 in)
^ Check if the mounting bolts for steering gear assembly are loose or not.
CHECKING STEERING WHEEL PLAY
1. Set tires to the straight ahead, start engine, then turn steering wheel to the left and right lightly, and measure steering wheel movement on the outer circumference when steering wheel is turned up to the point where tires start moving.
Steering wheel play on the outer circumference: 0 - 35 mm (0 - 1.38 in)
CHECKING NEUTRAL POSITION ON STEERING WHEEL
Check neutral position on steering wheel after confirming that front wheel alignment is correct. Refer to FSU-5, "Wheel Alignment Inspection". Front Suspension
1. Set vehicle to the straight direction, check if steering wheel is in the neutral position.
2. If it is not in the neutral position, remove steering wheel and reinstall it correctly.
3. If the neutral position cannot adjust in the two teeth of steering gear assembly, loosen outer socket lock nuts of steering outer sockets, then adjust outer socket by the same amount in the opposite direction.
CHECKING STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE
1. Park vehicle on a level and dry surface, set parking brake.
2. Start engine.
3. Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature. [Make sure temperature of fluid is approximately 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F).]
NOTE: Tires need to be inflated normal pressure.
4. Check steering wheel turning force when steering wheel has been turned 360° from neutral position.
Steering wheel turning force: Less than 7.45 Nm (0.76 kg-m, 66 in-lb)
NOTE: Multiply the distance L from the hook of spring balance to the center of steering wheel by the measurement value with a spring balance.
5. If steering wheel turning force is out of the specification, check rack sliding force and relief hydraulic pressure of oil pump. Regarding relief hydraulic pressure of oil pump, refer to PS-27, "On-Vehicle Inspection and Service". Power Steering Oil Pump
a. Disconnect lower joint and steering knuckle from steering gear assembly.
b. Start and run engine at idle to make sure steering fluid has reached normal operating temperature.
c. While pulling outer socket slowly in ±11.5 mm (±0.453 in) range from neutral position, make sure rack sliding force is within specification.
Rack sliding force: 147 - 211 N (15 - 21.5 kg, 33 - 47 lb)
d. If rack sliding force is not within specification, overhaul steering gear assembly.
CHECKING FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE
^ Check front wheel turning angle after the toe-in inspection. Place front wheels on turning radius gauges and rear wheels on stands so that vehicle can be level. Check the maximum inner and outer wheel turning angles for LH and RH road wheels.
^ Start engine and run at idle, turn steering wheel all the way right and left, measure the turning angle.
^ Measure rack stroke if angles are outside the specified value.
^ Disassemble steering gear assembly to check the cause that rack stroke is outside of the standard.
^ Steering angles are not adjustable. Check steering gear assembly, steering column assembly and front suspension components for wear or damage if any of the turning angles are different from the specified value. Replace any of them, if any non-standard condition exists.