Steering Column: Inspection

Inspect all components for wear or damage. Check bearings for smooth operation. Check steering shafts for collision damage. Check steering lock mechanism (located in upper bracket) for proper operation. Replace components as necessary.
On 2WD Pickups, temporarily assemble main steering shaft to intermediate shaft and measure amount of radial play between shafts. Allowable limit is .0024" (.06 mm). Replace pin and bearing blocks, if necessary.
NOTE: If replacing pin and bearing blocks, make sure new bearing blocks have the small anti-rattle rubber inserts installed before assembling intermediate shaft to main steering shaft, otherwise steering shafts will rattle when installed in vehicle.

Fig 1: Exploded View of Land Cruiser Pickup Steering Columns
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On Land Cruiser and Starlet, Tercel and 4WD Pickups, check "U" joints for excessive axial play. Maximum play is .002" (.05 mm). Replace "U" joint, if necessary.