Steering Wheel: Inspection

STEERING WHEEL AXIAL END PLAY 

• Check installation condition of steering gear, front suspension, axle and steering column.
• 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 Axial End Play .

• Verify that steering gear bolts and nuts are tightened to specification. Refer to Exploded View .

STEERING WHEEL PLAY 

1. Turn tires straight ahead, start engine, then turn steering wheel to the left and right lightly. Measure steering wheel movement on outer circumference of steering wheel when it is turned to the point where the tires start moving.

   Steering wheel play

   : Refer to Steering Wheel Axial End Play .

2. If play is outside specifications, check the following items:
   • Backlash for each joint of the steering column
   • Installation condition of steering gear and linkage

NEUTRAL POSITION OF STEERING WHEEL 

1. Check neutral position of steering wheel after confirming that front wheel alignment is correct. Refer to Inspection .
2. Turn wheels straight ahead. Check if steering wheel is in the neutral position.
3. If it is not in the neutral position, loosen outer socket lock nuts, adjust inner sockets by same amount in the opposite direction. Tighten outer socket lock nuts to specification. Refer to Exploded View .
   CAUTION:

   Check wheel alignment after adjustment. Refer to Inspection .

STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE 

1. Park vehicle on a level and dry surface and set parking brake.
2. Verify that tires are inflated to specified pressure. Refer to Tire Air Pressure .
3. Start engine.
4. Check steering wheel turning force when steering wheel has been turned 360° from neutral position using Tool as shown, below.

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   Tool	: - (NI-44372)

   Steering wheel turning force

   : Refer to Steering Wheel Turning Force .

5. If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, inspect steering column. Refer to Inspection .
6. If steering column meets specification, inspect steering gear and linkage. Refer to Inspection .

CHECKING FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE 

1. Perform toe-in inspection. Refer to Inspection .
   CAUTION:

   Perform 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.

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3. Check maximum inner and outer wheel turning angles for LH and RH wheels.
   • With engine at idle, turn steering wheel from full left stop to full right stop and measure turning angles.

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     Outer Wheel Angle (A)	: Refer to Steering Angle .
     Inner Wheel Angle (B)	: Refer to Steering Angle .

4. Check following items when turning angle is outside of specifications.

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   Check neutral position of rack stroke (L).

   Rack stroke in neutral position (L)

   : Refer to Rack Stroke .

   Check steering gear, steering column and front suspension components for wear or damage if any of the turning angles are outside of specifications. Replace worn or damaged components as required.

   NOTE: Wheel turning angles are not adjustable.