Steering Wheel Play, Neutral Position and Turning Force

Checking Steering Wheel Play





- With wheels in a straight-ahead position, check steering wheel play.
Steering wheel play
35 mm (1.38 inch) or less
- If it is not within specification, check the following for loose or worn components.
Steering gear assembly
Steering column
Front suspension and axle

Checking Neutral Position on Steering Wheel
PRE-CHECKING





- Make sure that wheel alignment is correct.
Wheel alignment:
Refer to Alignment; Specifications.
- Verify that the steering gear is centered before removing the steering wheel.

CHECKING
1. Check that the steering wheel is in the neutral position when driving straight ahead.
2. If it is not in the neutral position, remove the steering wheel and reinstall it correctly.
3. If the neutral position is between two teeth, loosen tie-rod lock nuts. Turn the tie-rods by the same amount in opposite directions on both left and right sides.

Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force





1. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
2. Start engine.
3. Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature. [Make sure temperature of fluid is approximately 60 to 80° C (140 to 176° F) .]
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.
Steering wheel turning force:
39 N (4 kg, 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) at speed of 3.5 mm (0.138 inch)/s. Check that rack sliding force is within specification.
Average rack sliding force:
216 - 284 N (22 - 29 kg, 49 - 64 lbs.)
Maximum force deviation:
98 N (10 kg, 22 lbs.)
d. Check sliding force outside the above range at rack speed of 40 mm (1.75 inch)/s.
Rack sliding force:
Not more than 294 N (30 kg, 66 lbs.)
Maximum force deviation:
147 N (15 kg, 33 lbs.)
6. If rack sliding force is not within specification, overhaul steering gear assembly.
7. If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column.