PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICES > Steering System (Power Steering)
1. Set the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position, and check the wheel spokes to make sure they are correctly set in their specified positions.
2. Lightly turn the steering wheel to the left and right to determine the point where front wheels start to move.
Measure the distance of the movement of steering wheel at the outer periphery of wheel.
Steering wheel free play
0 — 17 mm (0 — 0.67 in)
|
(1) |
Steering wheel free play |
Move the steering wheel vertically toward the shaft to ascertain if there is play in the direction.
Maximum permissible play:
0.5 mm (0.020 in)
3. Drive the vehicle and check the following items during operation.
(1) Steering force:
The effort required for steering should be smooth and even at all points, and should not vary.
(2) Pulled to one side:
Steering wheel should not be pulled to either side while driving on a level surface.
(3) Wheel runout:
Steering wheel should not show any sign of runout.
(4) Return factor:
Steering wheel should return to its original position after it has been turned and then released.
When the steering wheel free play is excessive the tolerance value, disconnect the universal joint of steering shaft and check it for any play and yawing torque (at the point of the crossing direction). Also inspect for any damage to sealing or worn serrations. If the joint is loose, retighten the mounting bolts to the specified torque.
Tightening torque:
24 N·m (2.4 kgf-m, 17.4 ft-lb)
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and rotate the steering wheel 90° in both the left and right directions.
Rotating the steering wheel, reach out a hand under the vehicle and check the gearbox for looseness.
Tightening torque:
60 N·m (6.1 kgf-m, 44.1 ft-lb)
|
(A) |
Boot |
|
(B) |
Gearbox mounting bolt |
2. Check the boot for damage, cracks or deterioration.
3. For model with hydraulic power steering, park the vehicle on a level surface, quickly turn the steering wheel to the left and right.
While steering wheel is being rotated, check the gear backlash. If any noise is noticed, adjust the gear backlash in the following manner.
NOTE:
For the electric power steering model, it is not necessary to check or adjust the backlash.
(1) Tighten the adjusting screw to 25 N·m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb) and then loosen.
(2) Tighten the adjusting screw to 3.9 N·m (0.4 kgf-m, 2.9 ft-lb) and then loosen 20° or less.
(3) Apply liquid gasket to at least 1/3 of entire perimeter of adjusting screw thread.
|
(A) |
Apply liquid gasket to at least 1/3 of entire thread. |
(4) Install the lock nut. While holding the adjusting screw with a wrench, tighten the lock nut using ST.
| ST 926230000 | SPANNER |
Tightening torque (lock nut):
25 N·m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb)
Hold the adjusting screw with a wrench to prevent it from turning while tightening the lock nut.
1. Check the tie-rod and tie-rod ends for bends, scratches or other damage.
|
(A) |
Tie-rod end |
|
(B) |
Tie-rod |
2. Check the connections of knuckle ball joints for play, inspect for damage on dust seals, and check free play of ball studs. If castle nut is loose, retighten it to the specified torque, then tighten further up to a maximum of 60° until the cotter pin hole is aligned.
Tightening torque:
27 N·m (2.75 kgf-m, 19.9 ft-lb)
3. Check the lock nut on the tie-rod end for tightness. If it is loose, retighten it to the specified torque.
Tightening torque:
85 N·m (8.7 kgf-m, 62.7 ft-lb)
NOTE:
• For electric power steering model, inspection is not necessary.
• At power steering fluid temperature 20°C (68°F); read the fluid level on the “COLD” side.
• At power steering fluid temperature 80°C (176°F); read the fluid level on the “HOT” side.
1. Place the vehicle with engine “OFF” on a level surface.
2. Check the fluid level using the scale on the outside of the reservoir tank (A). If the level is below “MIN”, fill fluid up to “MAX” level.
NOTE:
If fluid level is at “MAX” level or above, drain fluid to the specified level by using a syringe or the like.
CAUTION:
If any fluid is spilt over the exhaust pipe, wipe it off with a cloth to avoid emitting smoke or causing a fire.
6. POWER STEERING FLUID FOR LEAKS
For model with hydraulic power steering, check the lower side of oil pump, the gearbox of power steering system, hose, pipe and the connecting portions for fluid leakage.
If fluid leakage is found, tighten the mounting bolt (or nut) or replace with a new part.
NOTE:
• After fixing the fluid leakage, wipe off the fluid.
• When inspecting the fluid leakage, be careful of the clearance between the hose (or piping) and other parts.
7. HOSES OF OIL PUMP FOR DAMAGES
For model with hydraulic power steering, check the pressure hose or return hose of the oil pump for cracks, swelling, damages. Replace the hose with a new part if necessary.
CAUTION:
When installing the hose, do not twist or bend.
|
(A) |
Pressure hose |
|
(B) |
Return hose |
8. POWER STEERING PIPES FOR DAMAGES
For model with hydraulic power steering, check the power steering pipe for corrosion or damages.
Replace the pipe with a new part if necessary.
Inspect both sides of the gearbox boot as follows, and correct the defects if necessary.
1. Positions (A) and (B) of the gearbox boot are fitted correspondingly in grooves (A) and (B) of the gearbox and rod (C).
2. Clips are fitted outside of positions (A) and (B) of boot.
3. Boot does not have crack or hole.
NOTE:
Rotate (B) position of gearbox boot against the torsion produced by the adjustment of toe-in etc. Apply grease to the groove (C).
Inspect the fitting bolts and nuts of oil pump and bracket for looseness, and retighten them if necessary.
Inspect and/or retighten them when engine is cold.
11. HARNESS INSPECTION (ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODEL)
Check the harness of the electric power steering for cracks or damages.
Replace the electric power steering gear box with a new part if necessary.
12. ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE INSPECTION (ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODEL)
Check for the electric power steering diagnostic trouble codes. If the diagnostic trouble code is detected, perform the diagnosis. 
Replace the control module, steering gear box with new parts if necessary.