Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection
Steering GearboxINSPECTION
BASIC INSPECTION
1. Clean all disassembled parts, and check for wear, damage, or any other faults, then repair or replace as necessary.
2. When disassembling, check inside of gearbox for water. If any water is found, carefully check boot for damage, input shaft dust seal, adjusting screw and boot clips for poor sealing. If faulty, replace with new.
SERVICE LIMIT
Make a measurement as follows. If it exceeds the specified service limit, adjust or replace.
NOTE: When making a measurement, vise gearbox by using ST. Never vise gearbox by inserting aluminum plates, etc. between vise and gearbox.
ST 926200000 STAND
Sliding resistance of rack shaft:
Service limit: 304 N (31 kgf, 68 lb) or less
RACK SHAFT PLAY IN RADIAL DIRECTION
Right-turn steering:
Service limit: 0.19 mm (0.0075 inch) or less
On condition
L: 5 mm (0.20 inch)
P: 122.6 N (12.5 kgf, 27.6 lb)
Left-turn steering:
Service limit
Direction - up/down 0.3 mm (0.012 inch) or less
Direction - left/right 0.15 mm (0.0059 inch) or less
INPUT SHAFT PLAY
In radial direction:
Service limit: 0.18 mm (0.0071 inch) or less
On condition: P: 98 N (10 kgf, 22 lb)
In axial direction:
Service limit: 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) or less
On condition: P: 20 - 49 N (2 - 5 kgf, 4 - 11 lb)
TURNING RESISTANCE OF GEARBOX
Using ST, measure gearbox turning resistance.
ST 926230000 SPANNER
Service limit:
Straight-ahead position within 30 mm (1.18 inch) from rack center Less than 11.18 N (1.14 kgf, 2.51 lb)
Maximum allowable resistance 12.7 N (1.3 kgf, 2.9 lb)
OIL LEAKING
Oil leaking points
1. If leak point is other than a, b, c, or d, perform the 5th step in "Oil leak check procedure and replacement parts" before dismounting gearbox from vehicle.
2. Even if the location of the leak can be easily found by observing the leaking condition, it is necessary to thoroughly remove the oil from the suspected portion and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock about 30 to 40 times with engine running, then make comparison of the suspected portion between immediately after and several hours after this operation.
3. Before starting oil leak repair work, be sure to clean the gearbox, hoses, pipes, and surrounding parts. After completing repair work, clean these areas again.
Oil leak check procedure and replacement parts
NOTE: Parts requiring replacement are described in the smallest unit of spare parts including damaged parts and spare parts damaged. In actual disassembly work, accidental damage as well as inevitable damage to some related parts must be taken into account, and spare parts for them must also be prepared. However, it is essential to pinpoint the cause of trouble, and limit the number of replacement parts as much as possible.
1. Leakage from "a"
The oil seal is damaged. Replace valve assembly with a new one.
2. Leakage from "b"
The torsion bar O-ring is damaged. Replace valve assembly with a new one.
3. Leakage from "c"
The oil seal is damaged. Replace valve assembly or oil seal with a new one.
4. Leakage from "d"
The pipe is damaged. Replace the faulty pipe or O-ring.
5. If leak is other than a, b, c, or d, and if oil is leaking from the gearbox, move the right and left boots toward tie-rod end side, respectively, with the gearbox mounted to the vehicle, and remove oil from the surrounding portions. Then, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 30 to 40 times with the engine running, then make comparison of the leaked portion immediately after and several hours after this operation.
(1) Leakage from "e"
The cylinder seal is damaged. Replace rack bush with a new one.
(2) Leakage from "f" There are two possible causes. Take following step first. Remove the pipe assembly B from the valve housing, and close the circuit with ST.
ST 926420000 PLUG
Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 30 to 40 times with the engine running, then make comparison of the leaked portion between immediately after and several hours after this operation.
CAUTION:
^ If leakage from "f" is noted again:
The oil seal of pinion and valve assembly is damaged. Replace pinion and valve assembly with a new one. Or replace the oil seal and the parts that are damaged during disassembly with new ones.
^ If oil stops leaking from "f":
The oil seal of rack housing is damaged. Replace the oil seal and the parts that are damaged during disassembly with new ones.