Steering Wheel Turning Force
CHECKING STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE1. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
2. Start engine.
3. Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature. Make sure the fluid temperature is approximately 60° to 80°C (140° to 176°F).
Tires need to be inflated to normal pressure.
4. Check steering wheel turning force when steering wheel has been turned 360° from the neutral position.
Steering wheel turning: 39 N (4 kg-f, 9 ft.) or less force
5. If steering wheel turning 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 speed of 3.5 mm (0.138 inch)/s. Check that rack sliding force is within specification.
Average rack sliding force: 167 - 226 N (17 - 23 kg-f, 37 - 51 ft.)
Maximum force deviation: 98 N (10 kg-f, 22 ft.)
d. Check sliding force outside the above range.
Rack sliding force: Not more than 294 N (30 kg-f, 66 ft.)
6. If rack sliding force is not within specifications, overhaul steering gear assembly.
7. If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column.