On-Vehicle Inspection

CHECK STEERING EFFORT (TORQUE)
NOTE: Some service operations affect the SRS airbags. Be sure to read the precautionary notice for the SRS airbags before servicing (See AIRBAG SYSTEM ).
1. Stop the vehicle on a level, paved surface and align the wheels straight ahead.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery (see AIRBAG SYSTEM ).
3. Remove the horn button assembly (see REMOVAL ).
4. Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery.
5. Using a torque wrench, check if the steering wheel set nut is properly tightened.
  Torque: 50 N*m (510 kgf*cm, 37 ft.*lbf)
6. Turn the engine switch on (IG) so that power steering is available.
7. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the right and check steering effort (torque) while turning. Check in the opposite direction using the same manner.
  Steering effort (Reference):
  
  6.9 N*m (70 kgf*cm, 61 in.*lbf) or less
8. Align the front wheels straight ahead.
9. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.
10. Install the horn button assembly (see INSTALLATION ).
11. Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery.
12. Clear the DTCs (see DTC CHECK / CLEAR ).
13. Perform initialization (see INITIALIZATION ).
14. Inspect the airbag warning light (see DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM ).
Fig 1: Checking Steering Effort (Torque)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY
1. Turn the engine switch on (IG) so that power steering is ready to operate.
2. Align the front wheels straight ahead.
3. Gently turn the steering wheel right and left with your finger and check steering wheel free play.
  Maximum free play:
  
  30 mm (1.18 in.)
  
  If the free play is out of specifications, check the steering column assembly, the sliding yoke sub-assembly, the steering intermediate shaft assembly No.2, or the power steering link assembly.
Fig 2: Identifying Steering Wheel Free Play
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002