Turning Effort

NOTE:
^ Perform the following test to determine if concern is related to power rack and pinion steering gear or vehicle system:
^ Make sure front wheels are properly aligned and tire pressure is correct before checking turning effort.

1. At 24-88 km/h (15-55 mph) on a flat straight surface, set vehicle in a straight line.
2. Place shift selector in NEUTRAL position and turn off ignition. If the vehicle continues to pull or drift in the same direction as the original concern, then the power rack and pinion steering gear is not the cause. If the vehicle does not pull but remains on a straight line, this indicates a power rack and pinion steering gear concern and steering efforts should also be noticeably light in direction of pull. This condition is normally due to an unbalanced power rack and pinion steering gear valve assembly. Refer to Pump Flow And Pressure Tests. Flow and Pressure Test
3. Park vehicle on dry concrete and set parking brake.
4. Idle engine for two to three minutes. Turn steering wheel to the left and right several times to warm fluid to 43-49°C (110-120°F).
5. With engine running, attach a pull scale to rim of steering wheel. Measure pull required to turn steering wheel one complete revolution in each direction. The static steering wheel turning effort should be 2.27 kg (5.0 lbs).