Steering Wheel: Inspection

CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY
1. Stop the vehicle and face the tires straight ahead.
2. Gently rock the steering wheel up and down with a finger, and check the steering wheel free play.
  Maximum free play:
  
  30 mm (1.18 in.)
Fig 1: Checking Steering Wheel Free Play
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING EFFORT
1. Center the steering wheel.
2. Remove the steering wheel pad (See REMOVAL , REMOVAL ).
3. Start the engine and run at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
  Steering effort (Reference): 4.9 N.m (50 kgf.cm, 43 in.lbf)
  
  Fig 2: Checking Steering Effort
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  HINT:
  
  Check tire type, pressure and contact surface before making your diagnosis.
5. Tighten the steering wheel set nut.
  Torque: 50 N.m (510 kgf.cm, 37 ft.lbf)
6. Install the steering wheel pad (See INSTALLATION , INSTALLATION ).