Pinpoint Test G: Excessive Steering Wheel Play

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions 

Description 

• Excessive steering wheel free play is a condition in which there is too much steering wheel movement before the front wheels move. The EPAS system is designed to compensate for some steering wheel free play, however a small amount of steering wheel free play is considered normal.

Pinpoint Test Applicability 

• This test applies to the following diagnostic concerns:
• Excessive steering wheel play

This test DOES NOT apply to noise, binding, sticking, returnability, drift, pull, or wander.

Symptom Definition 

• Excessive steering wheel play is a condition in which there is too much steering wheel rotation before the front wheels turn, such that a driver can feel they do not clearly understand where the front wheel position is.

Pinpoint Test Purpose 

• This pinpoint evaluates the steering wheel, steering column, tie rod, and steering gear mounting joint conditions.

If a damaged bellows boot(s) was discovered during inspection and this pinpoint test DOES NOT  lead to the installation of a new EPAS gear or bellows boot(s), then ADDRESS the cause of the damaged boot(s) before returning the vehicle to the customer.

Possible Sources 

• Steering column shaft U-joints
• Loose, damaged or worn inner or outer tie rods
• Steering gear internal failure

Pinpoint Tests G: Excessive Steering Wheel Play - Steering Gear Mounted EPAS