Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection
POWER STEERING GEAR BOX AND LINKAGEINSPECTION
PINION TOTAL ROTATION TORQUE CHECK
CAUTION: Secure the steering gear and linkage to the special mounting point. Fixing the steering gear and linkage to another point could deform or damage the gear housing.
1. Using the special tool preload socket (MB991006) to rotate the pinion at a rate of one turn per 4 to 6 seconds, and then measure the pinion total rotation torque.
Standard value:
Total rotation torque: 0.6 - 1.6 Nm (2.6 - 7.0 in-lb)
Torque fluctuation: 0.4 Nm (1.76 in-lb) or less
NOTE:
^ During measurement, remove the bellows from the gear housing.
^ Rotate the pinion by 180° in left and right directions from the neutral position, and measure the pinion total rotation torque.
2. If the measurement value is outside the standard value, replace the gear housing.
TIE-ROD OSCILLATING TORQUE CHECK
1. Swing the tie-rod ten times strongly.
2. Measure the oscillating resistance (oscillating torque) using a spring scale as shown in the figure with the tie-rod end facing downward.
Standard value: 5 - 18 Nm (22 - 80 in-lb) (1.5 - 4.9 Nm (13.2 - 43.4 in-lb)
3. If the measurement is greater than the standard value, replace the gear housing.
4. If the measurement value is below the standard value, check the ball joint for looseness or scraping feeling. If the ball joint swings smoothly, it is judged to be usable.