Check of Tilting Force

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Honda Fit, 2012 Honda Fit, 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set the steering wheel in the straight driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully.
Attach a spring scale (A) to the highest point of the steering wheel, and tilt the steering column to the lowest position.

Fig 1: Setting Steering Wheel In Straight Driving Position & Loosening Lock Lever Fully
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull the spring scale straight up, and read the force required to move the steering column.
Attach the spring scale to the lowest point of the steering wheel.
Pull the spring scale straight down, and read the force required to move the steering column.
Tilting force (upward/downward):

Standard: 69 N (7.0 kgf, 15 lbf) max.
If the measurement is higher than specified, or if the tilt function feels rough, do the following:
1. Loosen the steering column mounting nuts and bolts (see step 14) so they are finger-tight.
2. Release the lock lever, and tilt and telescope the steering column several times.
3. Tilt the column down, then tighten the lock lever.
4. Torque the bolts, then torque the nuts.
Test the tilting force again. If the force is still higher than the specification, replace the steering column as an assembly (see STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).