Steering Wheel: Service and Repair

Note: Disconnect the negative battery cable.

1. Disarm radio coded theft protection as outlined in Technician Safety Information.
2. Remove air bag module.
3. Mark steering column and steering wheel for proper alignment during reassembly.

Steering Wheel Play





1. With the wheels in the straight-ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and right and verify that the play is within specification.

Play: 3O mm (O-1.18 in)

2. If the play exceeds specification, check the steering joints for wear and check the steering gear for excessive back-lash. Correct as necessary.

Looseness or Play of Steering Wheel





1. Move the steering wheel in the directions of the arrows to check for column bearing wear, steering shaft joint play, steering wheel looseness, and column looseness.
2. If looseness is noted, inspect for the cause and repair as necessary.

Steering Wheel Effort






1. With the vehicle on a hard, level surface, put the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Start the engine and warm the power steering fluid to 5O deg. C (122-140 deg F).





3. With the engine running at idle, attach a pull scale to the outermost point of the steering wheel spoke. Then, starting with the wheels in the straight-ahead position, measure the effort required to turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right.

Steering Wheel Effort: 3O-38 N (3.0-3.9 kgf, 6.6-8.5 ft lb) [during one turn of the steering wheel]

4. If not within specification, check the following: fluid level, air in system, fluid leakage in piping or connections, function of oil pump and gear box, and tire pressures.





4. Remove horn cap and steering wheel locknut.

Caution: Do not strike steering column shaft end with a hammer. Striking shaft will damage steering bearing or collapsible steering shaft.

5. Using a suitable puller, remove steering wheel.
6. Reverse procedure to install. Torque steering wheel locknut to
29-36 ft lb