Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection

INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT BEFORE DISASSEMBLY
Fix a brass plate or aluminum plate for protection to the jaws of a vise and mount the gear box(A) in a vise(B).





CAUTION: When mounting the gear box in a vise, let the installation section of it be fixed to the jaws. If other section is fixed the gear box may be damaged.

TOTAL PINION PRELOAD





1. Rotate the pinion gear for approximately 4 to 6 seconds for one rotation to measure the total pinion preload.
Standard value
Total pinion preload: 0.6 - 1.3 Nm (6 - 13 kg-cm, 0.4 - 1.0 ft. lbs.)

NOTE: Measure the pinion preload through the entire stroke of the rack

2. If the measured value is out of specifications, first adjust the yoke plug(A), then recheck the total pinion preload.
3. If you adjust the yoke plug but do not obtain the total pinion preload, check or replace the yoke plug components

TIE ROD SWING RESISTANCE
1. Rotate the tie rod severely ten times.





2. Measure the tie rod(A) swing resistance with a spring scale(B).
Standard value
Total rod swing resistance: 2 - 5 Nm (20 - 50 kg-cm, 1.4 - 3.6 ft. lbs.)
3. If the measured value exceeds the standard value, replace the tie rod assembly.

CAUTION: Even if the measured value is below the standard value, the tie rod that swings smoothly without excessive play may be used. If the measured value is below 0.044 Nm (0.44kg cm, 0.03 ft. lbs.) replace the tie rod.

BELLOWS INSPECTION
1. Inspect the bellows for damage or deterioration.
2. Make sure the bellows are secured in the correct position.
3. If the bellows are defective, replace them with new ones.