STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN INSPECTION

Steering Wheel Play Inspection

1. With the wheels in the straight-ahead position, start the engine.

2. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right gently, and verify that the steering wheel play is within the specification.

0-30 mm {0-1.18 in} (When hydraulic operating)

Steering Wheel Looseness Inspection

1. Move the steering wheel in the steering shaft and vertical directions to inspect the steering wheel for column bearing wear, steering shaft joint play, and steering wheel and column looseness.

• If there is any malfunction, inspect the following, and repair or replace them.

- Column bearing wear

- Looseness of the steering wheel installed part

- Looseness of the column installed part

- Looseness of the steering shaft

- Looseness of the steering gear

Steering Wheel Effort Inspection

1. Inspect the following.

• Tire size and tire pressure

• Fluid level

• Drive belt deflection

2. With the vehicle on a hard, level surface, put the wheels in the straight-ahead position.

3. Remove the air bag module.

Warning

• Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the service warnings before handling the air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

4. Start the engine, turn the steering wheel to the left and right to make the power steering fluid rise to the suitable temperature (50-60 °C {122-140 °F}).

Caution

• Do not maintain the steering wheel fully turned for 5 s or more. It is possible that oil temperature can rise, and this will negatively affect the oil pump.

5. Measure the steering wheel effort using a torque wrench.

• If not within the reference value, inspect the following:

- No air in the steering system

- No fluid leakage from hoses or connectors

- Function of the oil pump and steering gear

7.8 N·m {80 kgf·cm, 69 in·lbf} or less (reference value)

Note

• To determine whether the steering effort is satisfactory or not, perform the inspection on another vehicle of the same model and under the same conditions, and compare the results.

• The steering wheel effort varies with conditions as shown below.

- Road conditions: such as dry or wet, and asphalt or concrete

- Tire conditions: such as brand, wear, and tire pressure