STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN INSPECTION

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 measure the steering wheel play.

Standard

0-30 mm {0-1.18 in} (oil pressure applied)

Looseness, Excessive Play Inspection

1. Inspect the steering wheel for the following items while moving it in the axial direction and sideways.

• If there is any malfunction, replace the applicable part.

- Looseness of the steering wheel installation part

- Looseness of the column installation area

- Column bushing wear

- Excessive play of the column bearing

- Excessive play of the steering shaft universal joint

Steering Wheel (With Integrated Air Bag Module) Effort Inspection

Note

• Verify that the front wheel alignment is correct and the tire pressure is within specification before inspecting the steering force.

1. Place the vehicle on a dry surface and apply the parking brake.

2. Put the thermometer into the power steering fluid reservoir tank.

3. Idle the engine for 2-3 min. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right and raise the fluid temperature to 50-60 ×C {122-140 ×F}.

Caution

• Do not maintain the steering wheel fully turned to the left and right for 3-5 s or more. This may damage the power steering pump.

4. With the engine running, install a pull scale on the steering wheel rim.

5. Measure the force required to turn the steering wheel for 1 revolution to each side.

Steering wheel effort

30 N·m {3.1 kgf·m, 22 ft·lbf} or less (Reference value)

Steering Wheel (Not With Integrated Air Bag Module) 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 SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR 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

Steering wheel effort

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