STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN INSPECTION

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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, then verify that the steering wheel play is within the specification.

Looseness, Excessive Play Inspection

1.  Inspect the steering wheel for looseness or excessive play in the axial direction of the shaft and four locations around the steering wheel.

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

―  Column bearing wear

―  Looseness of the steering wheel installation part

―  Looseness of the column installation area

―  Excessive play in the intermediate shaft joint

―  Excessive play in the steering gear

Steering Force Inspection

1.  Verify that the equipped tire size and tire air pressure is as specified.

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

3.  Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

Warning

•  Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag module, which may seriously injure you.Read the service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS.) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS.)

4.  Start the engine and idle it.

5.  Verify that the power steering malfunction indicator light is not illuminated or flashing.

6.  Inspect the steering torque using a torque wrench.

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•  If it exceeds the reference value, inspect the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE INSPECTION.)

Note

•  Comparing another vehicle of the same model under the same conditions is an acceptable inspection method.

•  The steering torque varies with the conditions indicated below.

―  Road conditions: Such as dry, wet, asphalt, or concrete

―  Tire condition: Such as brand, wear, and tire pressure