Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection

INSPECTION

BASIC INSPECTION

1) Clean all the disassembled parts, and check for wear, damage or any other faults, then repair or replace as necessary.
2) When disassembling, check the inside of gearbox for water. If any water is found, carefully check the boot for damage, input shaft dust seal, adjusting screw and boot clips for poor sealing. If faulty, replace with new parts.





SERVICE LIMIT

Make a measurements as follows. If it exceeds the specified service limits, adjust or replace.

CAUTION:
When making a measurement, secure the gearbox in a vise using ST.
When fixing the gearbox in a vise, apply a wooden piece on the flange portion.

PREPARATION TOOL:
ST1: STAND (926200000)
ST2: BOSS D (34199AG000)

Rack shaft sliding resistance

Measure the resistance with the rack shaft pulled.





Limit: 650 N (66.2 kgf, 146 lbf) or less
Left/right differential of sliding resistance: 20 % or less

Rack shaft play in the radial direction

^ Right-turn steering





Limit
Direction [black arrows]: 0.4 mm (0.016 in) or less
Direction [white arrows]: 0.6 mm (0.024 in) or less

Condition
L: 5 mm (0.20 in)
P: 98 N (10 kgf, 22 lbf)

^ Left-turn steering





Service limit:
Direction : 0.4 mm (0.016 in) or less
Direction : 0.4 mm (0.016 in) or less

Input shaft play

^ In radial direction





Limit
0.18 mm (0.0071 in) or less

Condition
P: 98 N (10 kgf, 22 lbf)

^ In axial direction





Service limit
0.27 mm (0.0106 in) or less

Condition
P: 20 - 49 N (2 - 5 kgf, 4 - 11 lbf)

ROTATIONAL RESISTANCE OF GEARBOX

Using the ST, measure the gearbox rotational resistance.

PREPARATION TOOL:
ST: SPECIAL TOOL EPS (34099PA100)





Service limit:
Maximum allowable resistance: 30 N (3.1 kgf, 6.7 lbf) or less
Difference between right and left rotational resistance: 20 % or less

OIL LEAKAGE





1) Lift up the vehicle.
2) If a fluid leak is found, clean the fluid completely from the suspect area, and turn the steering wheel 30 to 40 times to the left and right from lock to lock, with the engine running, and check again for leaks immediately, and also after a few hours have passed.
3) Cause and solution for oil leakage from "a"
The oil seal is damaged. Replace the valve assembly or oil seal with a new part.
4) Cause and solution for oil leakage from "b"
The torsion bar O-ring is damaged. Replace the valve assembly with a new part.
5) Cause and solution for oil leakage from "c"
The oil seal is damaged. Replace the oil seal.
6) Cause and solution for oil leakage from "d"
The pipe is damaged. Replace the faulty pipe or O-ring.