Steering Wheel: Inspection

Check steering wheel free play.
1. Stop the vehicle and face the tires straight ahead.
2. Rock the steering wheel gently up and down with a finger lightly, check the steering wheel free play.
  1. Maximum free play: 30 mm (1.18 in.)
Check steering effort.
1. Center the steering wheel.
2. Remove the steering wheel pad. See step 3 under REMOVAL.
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
  1. Steering effort (Reference): 6.9 N.m (70 kgf.cm, 61 in.lbf)
  Fig 2: Measuring Steering Effort In Both Directions
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  NOTE: Take the tire type, pressure and contact surface into consideration before making your diagnosis.
5. Disconnect the PPS solenoid connector.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying PPS Solenoid Connector
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. Measure the steering effort in both directions and check that the steering effort exceeds the reference value in line d, and that the power assist is operating. If steering effort is not heavier than line d, check the solenoid.
  NOTE: Take the tire type, pressure and contact surface into consideration before making your diagnosis.
7. Connect the connector.
8. Torque the steering wheel set nut.
  1. Torque: 50 N.m (510 kgf.cm, 37 ft.lbf)
9. Install the steering wheel pad. See step 15 under INSTALLATION.