Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force

Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
Start engine.

Fig 1: Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature. [Make sure temperature of fluid is approximately 60 - 80°C (140 - 176°F).]
Check steering wheel turning force using Tool when steering wheel has been turned 360° from the neutral position.
NOTE: Tires need to be inflated to normal pressure.

Tool number: J-44372-A

Steering wheel turning force: 39 N (4 kg, 9 lb) or less
If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, check rack sliding force as follows.
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 using Tool 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.
  Tool number: J-44183-A
  
  Average rack sliding force (QG18DE models): 140 - 330 N (14.3 - 33.6 kg, 31.5 - 74.1 lb)
  
  Average rack sliding force (QR25DE models): 160 - 350 N (16.3 - 35.7 kg, 36.0 - 78.7 lb)
  
  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.
  Maximum rack sliding force: Not more than 294 N (30 kg, 66 lb)
  
  Maximum force deviation: 147 N (15 kg, 33 lb)
5. If rack sliding force is not within specification, overhaul steering gear assembly.
6. If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column. Refer to "INSPECTION ".