Steering Wheel: Inspection

CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREEPLAY
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 freeplay.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Steering Wheel Freeplay
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Maximum freeplay: 40 mm (1.58 in.)
CHECK STEERING EFFORT
1. Center the steering wheel.
2. Remove the steering wheel pad (See REMOVAL ).
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
  
  Fig 2: Checking Steering Effort
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Reference: 4.9 N.m (50 kgf.cm, 43 in.lbf)
  
  NOTE: Be sure to consider the tire type, pressure and contact surface before making your diagnosis.
5. Torque the steering wheel set nut.
  Torque: 50 N.m (510 kgf.cm, 37 ft.lbf)
6. Install the steering wheel pad (See INSTALLATION ).