Steering Wheel Play, Neutral Position and Turning Force

Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force
1. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
2. Run engine at idle speed or 1,000 RPM.
3. Bring power steering fluid up to operating temperature.
- Make sure fluid temperature in reservoir tank rises to 60 to 80°C (140 to 176°F).
- Tires need to be inflated to normal pressure.





4. Check steering wheel fuming force when steering wheel has been turned 360° from neutral position.
Steering wheel turning force: 39 N (4 kg, 9 lbs.) or less
5. If steering wheel fuming force is out of specification, check rack sliding force.
a. Disconnect steering column lower joint and knuckle arms from the gear.
b. Start and run engine at idle to make sure steering fluid has reached normal operating temperature.





c. Pull tie-rod slowly to move it from neutral position to ± 11.5 mm (± 0.453 inch) at a speed of 3.5 mm (0.138 inch)/s. Check that rack sliding force is within specification.
Rack sliding force: 226 - 284 N (23 - 29 kg, 51 - 64 lbs.)
6. If rack sliding force is not within specification, refer to Hydraulic System Inspection.

7. If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column.

Checking Steering Wheel Play





- With wheels in a straight-ahead position, check steering wheel play.
Steering wheel play: 35 mm (1.38 inch) or less
- If it is not within specification, check the following for loose or worn components.
a. Steering gear assembly.
b. Steering column.
c. Front suspension and axle.

Checking Neutral Position on Steering Wheel
Pre-checking
- Make sure that wheel alignment is correct.
Wheel alignment:
Refer to Alignment; Specifications; Mechanical.





- Verify that the steering gear is centered before removing the steering wheel.

Checking
1. Check that the steering wheel is in the neutral position when driving straight ahead. If it is not in the neutral position, remove the steering wheel and reinstall it correctly.
3. If the neutral position is still not correct:
a. Loosen tie-rod lock nuts.
b. Move tie-rods in the opposite direction by the same amount on both left and right sides. This will compensate for error in the neutral position.