Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection

STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE


AWD : Inspection


INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
- Check if steering wheel turns smoothly when it is turned several times fully to the end of the left and right.
- Check the steering wheel play, neutral position steering wheel, steering wheel turning force, and front wheel turning angle. Refer to Procedures.
- Check the fluid level, fluid leakage, and air bleeding hydraulic system. Refer to Service and Repair.

INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY

Boot
Check boot for cracks, and replace it if a malfunction is detected.

Rack Assembly
Check rack for damage or wear, and replace it if a malfunction is detected.

Gear-Sub Assembly
- Check gear-sub assembly for damage or wear, and replace it if a malfunction is detected.
- Rotate gear-sub assembly and check for torque variation or rattle, and replace it if a malfunction is detected.

Gear Housing Assembly
Check gear housing assembly for damage and scratches (inner wall). Replace if there are.

Outer Socket and Inner Socket
Check the following items and replace the component if it does not meet the standard.

BALL JOINT SWINGING TORQUE
Hook a spring balance at the point shown in the figure and pull the spring balance. Make sure that the spring balance reads the specified value when ball stud and inner socket start to move. Replace outer socket and inner socket if they are outside the standard.






(Measuring point of outer socket: Stud cotter pin mounting hole)
Outer socket : Refer to ST-53, "Socket Swing Force and Rotating Torque". Socket Swing Force and Rotating Torque
(Measuring point of inner socket: "*" mark shown in the figure)
Inner socket : Refer to ST-53, "Socket Swing Force and Rotating Torque". Socket Swing Force and Rotating Torque

BALL JOINT ROTATING TORQUE
Make sure that the reading is within the following specified range using preload gauge (A) [SST: ST3127S000 (J-25765-A)]. Replace outer socket if the reading is outside the specified value.






Rotating torque : Refer to ST-53, "Socket Swing Force and Rotating Torque". Socket Swing Force and Rotating Torque


BALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY
Apply an axial load of 490 N (50 kg, 110 lb) to ball stud. Using a dial gauge, measure amount of stud movement, and then make sure that the value is within the following specified range. Replace outer socket (1) and inner socket (2) if the measured value is outside the standard.






Outer socket : Refer to ST-53, "Socket Axial End Play". Socket Axial End Play
Inner socket : Refer to ST-53, "Socket Axial End Play". Socket Axial End Play