FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Steering Free Play and Effort Inspection

INSPECTION





1. CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREEPLAY
With the vehicle stopped and tires pointed straight ahead, rock the steering wheel gently back and forth with light finger pressure.
Freeplay should not exceed the maximum.
Maximum freeplay: 30 mm (1.18 inch)





2. CHECK STEERING EFFORT
a. Center the steering wheel.
b. Remove the steering wheel pad.
c. Start the engine and run it at idle.
d. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
Reference (Maximum): 5.4 Nm (55 kgf-cm, 48 inch lbs.)

HINT: Take the tire type, pressure and contact surface into consideration before making your diagnosis.

e. Disconnect the PPS solenoid connector.
f. Measure the steering effort in both directions and check that the steering effort exceeds the reference value in (d), and that the power assist is operating. If steering effort is not heavier than (d), check the solenoid.
g. Connect the PPS solenoid connector.
h. Torque the steering wheel set nut.
Torque: 35 Nm (360 kgf-cm, 26 ft. lbs.)
i. Install the steering wheel pad.