Steering Gear: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Toyota RAV4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT NO. 2 TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY
1. Secure the No. 2 tie rod end sub-assembly ball joint in a vise through aluminum plates.
  
  Fig 1: Securing Tie Rod Assembly LH In Vise
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  NOTE: Do not over tighten the vise.
2. Install the castle nut to the stud bolt.
3. Flip the ball joint back and forth 5 times.
4. Set a torque wrench to the nut, turn the ball joint continuously at a rate of 3 to 5 seconds per turn, and check the turning torque on the 5th turn.
  Standard turning torque:
  
  0.98 to 3.92 N*m (10.0 to 39.9 kgf*cm, 9 to 34 in.*lbf)
  
  If turning torque is out of specification, replace the No. 2 tie rod end sub-assembly with a new one.
INSPECT NO. 1 TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY
HINT:

Use the same procedures described for the No. 2 tie rod end sub-assembly.
INSPECT TOTAL PRELOAD
1. Using SST, inspect the total preload.
  SST 09616-00011
  
  Standard total preload (turning):
  
  0.7 to 1.3 N*m (7.1 to 13.2 kgf*cm, 6 to 11 in.*lbf)
  
  NOTE: Inspect around the steering rack center position.
  
  If the total preload is out of specification, replace the steering gear with a new one.
  
  Fig 2: Inspecting Total Preload
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002