On-Vehicle Inspection

CHECK STEERING EFFORT (TORQUE)
NOTE: Some of these service operations may affect the SRS airbags. Be sure to read the precautionary notices concerning the SRS airbags before servicing.
1. Stop the vehicle on a level, paved road and align the wheels facing straight ahead.
2. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.
3. Remove the steering pad (See INSPECTION PROCEDURE ).
4. Connect the cable to the negative battery terminal.
5. Using a torque wrench, check that the steering wheel set nut is properly tightened.
  Torque: 50 N*m (510 kgf*cm, 37 ft.*lbf)
6. Turn the ignition switch to ON (the engine is stopped) so that the power steering is ready to operate.
7. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the right and check the steering effort (torque) while turning. Check the opposite direction in the same manner.
  Steering effort (Reference): 5.5 N*m (56 kgf*cm, 49 in.*lbf)
8. Align the front wheels facing straight ahead.
9. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.
10. Install the steering pad (See STEERING PAD ).
11. Connect the cable to the negative battery terminal.
12. Clear the DTCs (See DTC CHECK / CLEAR ).
13. Inspect the airbag warning light (See DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM ).
  
  Fig 1: Turning Steering Wheel
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREEPLAY
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON so that the power steering is ready to operate.
2. Align the wheels facing straight ahead.
3. Gently turn the steering wheel right and left with your finger and check the steering wheel freeplay.
  Maximum freeplay: 30 mm (1.18 in.)
  
  HINT:
  
  If the freeplay is outside the specifications, replace intermediate shaft No. 2 or the power steering gear with a new one.