Steering Wheel Effort - Power
Steering wheel effort1. Insert a thermometer into the power steering fluid reservoir.
Caution Do not hold the steering wheel against a stop for more than ten seconds at a time.
2. Start the engine, then turn the steering wheel left and right several times until the fluid temperature reaches 50 - 60° C (122 - 140° F).
3. With the vehicle on a hard, level surface, turn the steering wheel until the wheels are in the straight ahead position.
4. Attach Spring Scale to the steering wheel rim and measure the steering effort through one full turn of the wheel. The steering wheel effort should be 39 N (4 kg, 8.8 lbs) or less.
Notice For accurate readings, always pull the scale in the direction the point of the scale attachment is moving (tangential to the wheel rim) through the full circle.
5. If the effort is greater than the specification, check for low fluid level, air in the system, and fluid leakage. Check the power steering pump pressure, steering gear pressure and tire pressure.
6. Remove the thermometer.