INSPECTION PROCEDURE 1: Excessive Play of Steering Wheel: Diagnosis
- 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.
- With the engine running (hydraulic operation), set the front wheels straight ahead.
- 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) or less
- 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 free play with engine stopped): 16.5 mm (0.65 inch) or less
Q: Does the play exceed the standard value?
- YES: Remove the steering gear box (Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR BOX AND LINKAGE ) 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.