INSPECTION PROCEDURE 1: Excessive Play of Steering Wheel: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

STEP 1. Check for looseness at the steering shaft coupling section and at the steering wheel linkage.
Q: Is there any looseness?

YES : Repair or replace the part. Then go to Step 3.

NO : Go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check the steering wheel free play.
1. With the engine running (hydraulic operation), set the front wheels straight ahead.
2. Measure the play on the steering wheel circumference before the wheels start to move when slightly moving the steering wheel in both directions.
  Limit: 30 mm (1.2 inch)
  
  Fig 1: Checking Steering Wheel Free Play
  Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
3. If the free play exceeds the limit value, set the steering wheel straight ahead with the engine stopped. Load approximately 5 N (1.1 pound) towards the steering circumference and check the play.
  Standard value (steering wheel play with engine stopped): 16.5 mm (0.6 inch) or less
Q: Does the play exceed the standard value?

YES : Remove the steering gear box (Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ) and check the total pinion torque (Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR BOX AND LINKAGE ). Then go to Step 3.

NO : Go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check the steering wheel play.
Verify that the steering wheel play is not excessive.

Q: Is the steering wheel play excessive?

YES : Repeat from Step 1.

NO : The procedure is complete.