Steering System: Adjustment

STEERING OFF CENTER ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
1. Inspect the steering wheel off center.
  1. Apply masking tape on the top center of the steering wheel and upper steering column cover.
  2. Drive the vehicle in a straight line for 100 m (328 ft.) at a constant speed of 56 km/h (35 mph), and hold the steering wheel to maintain the course.
    
    Fig 1: Identifying Masking Tape On Top Center Of Steering Wheel & Upper Steering Column Cover
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. Draw a line on the masking tape as shown in Fig 2.
  4. Turn the steering wheel to its straight position.
    HINT:
    
    Refer to the upper surface of the steering wheel, steering spoke and SRS airbag line for the straight position.
    
    Fig 2: Identifying Masking Tape On Top Center Of Steering Wheel & Upper Steering Column Cover
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  5. Draw a new line on the masking tape of the steering wheel as shown below.
  6. Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape of the steering wheel.
  7. Convert the measured distance to steering angle.
    Standard: Measured distance 1 mm (0.0397 in.) = Steering angle approximately 1 deg.
    
    HINT:
    
    Make a note of the steering angle.
2. Adjust the steering angle.
  1. Lift up the vehicle.
  2. Draw a line on the tie rod RH and LH and rack ends where it can easily be seen.
  3. Using a paper gauge, measure the distance from the tie rod end RH and LH to the rack end screws.
    HINT:
    
    Make a note of the measured values.
    
    Fig 3: Measuring Distance Between Lines On Masking Tape Of Steering Wheel
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Remove the boot clip RH and LH from the rack boots.
    
    Fig 4: Locating Boot Clip
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  5. Loosen the lock nut RH and LH.
  6. Turn the rack end RH and LH by the same amount (but in different directions) according to the steering angle.
    Standard: 1 turn 360 deg. of rack end (1.5 mm (0.0596 in.) horizontal movement) = 12 deg. of steering angle
  7. Tighten the lock nut RH and LH to the specified torque.
    Torque: 55 N*m (560 kgf*cm, 41 ft.*lbf)
    
    NOTE: Make sure that the difference in length between the tie rod end RH and LH and rack end screws are within 1.5 mm (0.0596 in.).
  8. Install the boot clip RH and LH.