Steering Wheel: Inspection

Check steering wheel free play.
1. Stop the vehicle and face the tires straight ahead.
2. Rock the steering wheel gently up and down with a finger lightly, check the steering wheel free play.
  Maximum free play: 30 mm (1.18 in.)
  
  Fig 1: Rocking Steering Wheel Lightly
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Check steering effort.
1. Center the steering wheel.
2. Remove the steering wheel pad. See step 1 under REMOVAL.
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
  
  Fig 2: Using Torque Wrench To Measure Steering Effort
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Steering effort (Reference): 6.5 N.m (65 kgf.cm, 58 in.lbf)
  
  NOTE: Take the tire type, pressure and contact surface into consideration before making your diagnosis.
5. Install the steering wheel set nut.
  Torque: 50 N.m (500 kgf.cm, 35 ft.lbf)
6. Install the steering wheel pad. See 10 under INSTALLATION.