Procedures
STEERING WHEEL
Inspection
STEERING WHEEL AXIAL END PLAY
1. Check installation conditions of steering gear assembly, front suspension assembly, axle and steering column assembly.
2. Check if movement exists when steering wheel is moved up and down, to the left and right and to the axial direction.
Standard
Steering wheel axial end play : Refer to "Steering Wheel Axial End Play and Play". Steering Wheel Axial End Play and Play
3. Check the following items when steering wheel axial end play is out of the standard.
- Check the steering column assembly mounting condition. Refer to Exploded View Removal and Installation, "WITHOUT ELECTRIC
Exploded View(with electric motor).
- Check steering gear assembly mounting condition for looseness. Refer to Exploded View.
STEERING WHEEL PLAY
1. Turn steering wheel so that front wheels come to the straight-ahead position.
2. Start the engine and lightly turn steering wheel to the left and right until front wheels start to move.
3. Measure steering wheel movement on the outer circumference.
Standard
Steering wheel play : Refer to "Steering Wheel Axial End Play and Play". Steering Wheel Axial End Play and Play
4. Check the following items when steering wheel play is out of the standard.
- Check backlash for each joint of steering column assembly.
- Check installation condition of steering gear assembly.
NEUTRAL POSITION STEERING WHEEL
1. Check that steering gear assembly, steering column assembly and steering wheel are installed in the correct position.
2. Perform neutral position inspection after wheel alignment. Refer to Inspection (2WD models) FSU-26, "Inspection" (AWD models).
3. Set the vehicle to the straight-ahead position and confirm steering wheel is in the neutral position.
4. Loosen outer socket lock nut and turn inner socket to left and right equally to make fine adjustments if steering wheel is not in the neutral position.
STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE
1. Park the vehicle on a level and dry surface, set parking brake.
2. Tires need to be inflated normal pressure. Refer to [1][2]Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature Specifications.
3. Start the engine.
4. Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature.
Fluid temperature : 50 - 80°C (122 - 176°F)
5. Check steering wheel turning force when steering wheel has been turned 540� from neutral position.
Standard
Steering wheel turning force : Refer to "Steering Wheel Turning Force". Steering Wheel Turning Force
NOTE:
Multiply the distance (L) from the hook of spring balance to the center of steering wheel by the measurement value with a spring balance.
6. If steering wheel turning force is out of the specification, check rack sliding force and relief hydraulic pressure of oil pump. Regarding relief hydraulic pressure of oil pump, refer to Testing and Inspection (VK50VE), Testing and Inspection (VQ35HR).
RACK SLIDING FORCE
1. Disconnect lower joint and steering knuckle from steering gear assembly. Refer to Exploded View.
2. Start and run the engine at idle to make sure steering fluid has reached normal operating temperature.
Fluid temperature : 50 - 80�C (122 - 176°F)
3. While pulling outer socket slowly in �11.5 mm (�0.453 in) range from neutral position, make sure rack sliding force is within specification.
Standard
Rack sliding force : Refer to "Rack Sliding Force". Rack Sliding Force
4. If rack sliding force is not within specification, overhaul steering gear assembly.
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE
1. Check front wheel turning angle after toe-in inspection. Refer to Inspection (2WD models), Inspection (AWD models).
2. Place front wheels on turning radius gauges and rear wheels on stands, so that vehicle can be level.
3. Check the maximum inner and outer wheel turning angles for LH and RH road wheels.
4. With the engine at idle, turn steering wheel from full left stop to full right stop and measure the turning angles.
Standard
Inner wheel (Angle: A) : Refer to "Steering Angle". Steering Angle
Outer wheel (Angle: B) : Refer to "Steering Angle". Steering Angle
5. Check the following items when turning angle is out of the standard.
a. Check the neutral position of the rack stroke (L).
Standard
L : Refer to "Rack Stroke". Rack Stroke
b. Disassemble steering gear assembly to check the cause that rack stroke is outside of the standard.
- Steering angles are not adjustable. Check steering gear assembly, steering column assembly and front suspension components for wear or damage if any of the turning angles are different from the specified value.
Replace any of them, if any non-standard condition exists.