PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICES > Steering System (Power Steering)

INSPECTION

1. STEERING WHEEL

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.

2. STEERING SHAFT JOINT

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)

3. GEARBOX

1. With the vehicle placed on a level surface, turn the steering wheel 90° in both the left and right directions.

While the wheel is being rotated, reach under the vehicle and check for looseness in gearbox.

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.

• Hydraulic power steering, LHD model

1. Apply liquid gasket to at least 1/3 of entire perimeter of adjusting screw thread.

Liquid gasket:

THREE BOND 1102 or equivalent

(A)

Apply liquid gasket to at least 1/3 of entire thread.

2. Tighten the adjusting screw to 25 N·m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb) and then loosen.

3. Tighten the adjusting screw to 3.9 N·m (0.4 kgf-m, 2.9 ft-lb) and then loosen.

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.

• Hydraulic power steering, RHD model

1. Apply liquid gasket to at least 1/3 of entire perimeter of adjusting screw thread.

Liquid gasket:

THREE BOND 1102 or equivalent

(A)

Apply liquid gasket to at least 1/3 of entire thread.

2. Tighten the adjusting screw to 9.8 N·m (1.0 kgf-m, 7.2 ft-lb) and then loosen.

3. Tighten the adjusting screw to 4.9 N·m (0.5 kgf-m, 3.6 ft-lb) and then loosen.

4. Tighten the adjusting screw to 4.9 N·m (0.5 kgf-m, 3.6 ft-lb) again, loosen by 26°, and then fix the screw.

5. 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):

40 N·m (4.1 kgf-m, 29.5 ft-lb)

Hold the adjusting screw with a wrench to prevent it from turning while tightening the lock nut.

• Electric power steering model

1. Apply liquid gasket to at least 1/3 of entire perimeter of adjusting screw thread.

Liquid gasket:

SEAL END No. 22 or equivalent

(A)

Apply liquid gasket to at least 1/3 of entire thread.

2. Tighten the adjusting screw to 20 N·m (2.0 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb) and then loosen.

3. Tighten the adjusting screw to 20 N·m (2.0 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb) and then loosen.

4. Tighten the adjusting screw to 20 N·m (2.0 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb) again, loosen by 39°, and then fix the screw.

5. Install the lock nut. While holding the adjusting screw with a wrench, tighten the lock nut using ST.

ST    34199AJ030 SPECIAL TOOL    EPS
ST    34199AJ040 SPECIAL TOOL    EPS

Tightening torque (lock nut):

44 N·m (4.5 kgf-m, 32.5 ft-lb)

Hold the adjusting screw with a wrench to prevent it from turning while tightening the lock nut.

6. Lift up the front wheels, turn the steering wheel to right and left, and perform the adjustment again if the steering is not smooth. Adjust by gradually increasing the angle of loosening up to 40°.

Tightening torque (lock nut):

44 N·m (4.5 kgf-m, 32.5 ft-lb)

Hold the adjusting screw with a wrench to prevent it from turning while tightening the lock nut.

4. TIE-ROD

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)

5. POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL

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.

Recommended fluid:

Fluid capacity:

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.

9. GEARBOX BOOTS

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).

10. FITTING BOLTS AND NUTS

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.