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Inspection
 
 
STEERING WHEEL AXIAL END PLAY
 
 
1. Check if movement exists when steering wheel is moved up and down, to the left and right and to the axial direction.
Steering wheel axial end play: Refer to Steering Wheel.
2. Check the following items when steering wheel axial end play is out of the standard.
Check the steering column assembly mounting condition. Refer to Exploded View.
 
 
STEERING WHEEL PLAY
 
 
1. Turn steering wheel so that front wheels come to the straight-ahead position.
2. Start engine and lightly turn steering wheel to the left and right until front wheels start to move.
3. Measure steering wheel movement on the outer circumference.
Steering wheel play on the outer circumference: Refer to Steering Wheel.
4. Check the following items when steering wheel play is out of the standard.
  • Check backlash for each joint of steering column assembly.
  • Check installation condition of steering gear assembly.
 
 
NEUTRAL POSITION STEERING WHEEL
Check neutral position on steering wheel after confirming that wheel alignment is correct. Refer to Inspection.Inspection
 
 
1. Turn tires to the straight ahead position on a flat surface equalizing left and right individual toe, check if steering wheel is in the neutral position.
2. If it is not in the neutral position, place steering wheel in the neutral position and perform wheel alignment again. Refer to Inspection.
 
 
STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE
 
 
1. Park vehicle on a level and dry surface, set parking brake.
2. Tires need to be inflated to normal pressure. Refer to Tire Air Pressure.
3. Start engine.
4. Check steering wheel turning force using pull gauge [SST: — (J-44372)] when steering wheel has been turned 90° from neutral position.
Steering wheel turning force: Refer to Steering Wheel.
5. If steering wheel turning force is above specification, check steering gear for malfunction.
 
 
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE
 
 
1. Perform toe-in inspection. Refer to Inspection.
cautionPerform front wheel turning angle inspection, after toe-in inspection.
2. Place front wheels on turning radius gauges and rear wheels on stands, so that vehicle can be level.
3. Check the maximum inner and outer wheel turning angles for LH and RH road wheels.
4. With the engine at idle, turn steering wheel from full left stop to full right stop and measure the turning angles.
A: Inner wheel angle
B: Outer wheel angle
Steering angle: Refer to Steering Angle.
5. Steering angles are not adjustable. Check steering gear assembly, steering column assembly, and front suspension components for wear or damage if any of the turning angles are different from the specified value. Replace any of them, if any non-standard condition exists.