Steering Wheel Turning Force

TURNING FORCE CHECK

1. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.

2. Run engine at idle speed or 1,000 rpm.

3. Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature.

NOTE: Make sure temperature of fluid is approximately 60 - 80° C (140 - 176° F) and tires need to be inflated to normal pressure.





4. Check steering wheel turning force when steering wheel has been turned 360° from the neutral position. The steering wheel turning force 39 N (9 lbs.) or less.

5. If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, check rack sliding force.
a. Disconnect steering column lower joint and knuckle arms from the gear.
b. Start and run engine at idle to make sure steering fluid has reached normal operating temperature.





c. Pull tie rod slowly to move it from neutral position to ±11.5 mm (±0.453 inch). Check that rack sliding force is within specifications.
Average rack sliding force: 108 - 245 N (24 - 55 lbs.).
Maximum rack sliding force: 294 N (66 lbs.).

6. If rack sliding force is not within specification, refer to Steering / Testing and Inspection for "Hydraulic System Pressure Check".

7. If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column.