Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force

Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
Start engine.
Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature. [Make sure temperature of fluid is approximately 60 to 80°C (140 to 176°F).
NOTE: Tires need to be inflated to normal pressure.
Check steering wheel turning force when steering wheel has been turned 360° from the neutral position.
Steering wheel turning: 39 N (4 kg, 9 lb) or less force

Fig 1: Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, check rack sliding force.

Fig 2: Checking Rack Sliding Force
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
1. Disconnect steering column lower joint and knuckle arms from the gear.
2. Start and run engine at idle to make sure steering fluid has reached normal operating temperature.
3. Pull tie-rod slowly to move it from neutral position to +/-11.5 mm (+/-0.453 in) at speed of 3.5 mm (0.138 in)/s. Check that rack sliding force is within specification.
  1. Average rack sliding force: 141.2 - 278.5 N (14.4 - 28.4 kg, 31.8 - 62.6 lb)
  2. Maximum force deviation: 98 N (10 kg, 22 lb)
4. Check sliding force outside the above range at rack speed of 40 mm (1.75 in)/s.
  1. Maximum rack sliding force: Not more than 294 N (30 kg, 66 lb)
  2. Maximum force deviation: 147 N (15 kg, 33 lb)
If rack sliding force is not within specification, overhaul steering gear assembly.
If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column. Refer to INSPECTION .