Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

Steering Wheel: On-Vehicle Inspection and Service

CHECKING CONDITION OF INSTALLATION
^ Check the installation condition of the steering gear assembly, front suspension, axle and steering column.
^ Check if movement exists when the steering wheel is pushed up and down, left and right and in the axial direction.

End play of the axle direction for steering wheel: 0 mm (0 in)

^ Check if the mounting nuts for the steering gear assembly are loose.





CHECKING STEERING WHEEL PLAY
1) Turn the tires straight ahead and start the engine. Lightly turn the steering wheel left and right to the point where the tires start moving, and measure the distance that the outer circumference of the steering wheel travels.

Steering wheel play on the outer circumference: 0 - 35 mm (0 - 1.38 in)

CHECKING NEUTRAL POSITION ON STEERING WHEEL
^ Check the neutral position on the steering wheel after confirming the front wheel alignment is correct.
1) Turn the tires straight ahead, check if the steering wheel is in the neutral position.
2) If it is not in the neutral position, remove the steering wheel and reinstall it correctly on the steering stem, within two teeth of the original position.
3) If the neutral position cannot be attained by repositioning the steering wheel within two teeth on the steering stem, loosen the tie-rod lock nuts of the steering outer sockets, then adjust the tie-rods by the same amount in the opposite direction of the steering wheel.

CHECKING STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE
1) Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
2) Start engine.
3) Bring the power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature. Make sure the fluid temperature is approximately 50 degrees - 80 degrees C (122 degrees - 176 degrees F).
4) Tires need to be inflated to specified pressure.
5) Check steering wheel turning force using Tool when steering wheel has been turned 360 degrees from the neutral position.





Tool number: - (J-44372)

Steering wheel turning force: 39 N (4 kg-f, 9 ft-lb) or less

6) If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, inspect the following:
^ Steering column.
^ Power steering oil pump.
7) If steering column and power steering oil pump meet specifications, replace steering gear.

CHECKING FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE
When checking the front wheel turning angle, refer to [Front Wheel Alignment: On-Vehicle Service].