Procedures

STEERING WHEEL


On-Vehicle Inspection and Service


CHECKING 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 axial direction for steering wheel : 0 mm (0 in)





- Check if the nuts for steering gear assembly are loose. Refer to Removal and Replacement.

CHECKING STEERING WHEEL PLAY
1. Turn tires 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 Front Suspension.
1. Turn tires straight ahead, 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 be attained by repositioning the steering wheel two teeth or less on steering stem, loosen tie-rod lock nuts of steering outer sockets, then adjust tie-rods by the same amount in the opposite direction.

CHECKING STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE
1. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
2. Start engine.
3. Bring power steering fluid up to operating temperature of 60� � 80�C (140� � 176�F).
4. Tires need to be inflated to specified pressure. Refer to Specifications.





5. Check steering wheel turning force using Tool when steering wheel has been turned 360� from the neutral position.

Tool number - (J-44372)
Steering wheel turning force : 39 N (4 kg-f, 9 lb-f) or less

6. If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, inspect steering column. Refer to Overhaul .
7. If steering column meets specification, repair steering gear. Refer to Overhaul.

CHECKING FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE
When checking front wheel turning angle, refer to .