Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection

Mount the gear box in a soft jawed vise.

NOTE: Do not tighten the vise on the gear housing, Use the mounting section of the rack to secure it in the vise.





TOTAL PINION PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
1. Rotate the pinion gear for approximately 4 to 6 seconds for one rotation to confirm the total pinion preload, it should have a standard value of 0.6-1.3 Nm (6-13 kg cm, 5.2-11.3 lbs. inch).

NOTE: Measure the pinion preload through the entire stroke of the rack.

2. If the measured value is out of specifications, first adjust the yoke plug, then re-check the total pinion preload.
3. If the yoke plug adjustment does not obtain the total pinion preload, check or replace the yoke plug components.





TIE ROD SWING RESISTANCE
1. Give 10 hard swings to the tie rod.
2. Measure the tie rod swing resistance with a spring scale, the tie rod swing resistance [Standard value] should be 8-22 N (1.9-4.6 lb.) [2-5 Nm (17-43 inch lbs.)].

NOTE: Even if the measured value is below the standard value, a tie rod that swings smoothly without excessive play may be used. If the measured value is below 4.3 N (0.9 lbs.)[100 Nm (8.7 inch lbs.)], replace the tie rod.

3. If the measured value exceeds the standard value, replace the tie rod assembly.

BELLOWS INSPECTION
1. Inspect the bellows for damage or deterioration.
2. Make sure the bellows are secured in the correct position.
3. If the bellows are defective, replace them.