Steering Column: Inspection
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Check the following items and replace, if necessary.
- Check each part of steering column assembly for damage or other malfunctions. Replace if there are any abnormal conditions.
- Measure steering column rotating torque using a preload gauge (commercial service tool) (A). Replace steering column assembly if the rotating torque is outside the standard.
Rotating torque : Refer to Steering Column . - With the column telescope set to the shortest position, measure the length "L" shown in the figure below, if vehicle has been involved in a minor collision. Replace steering column assembly (with motor, reduction gear, sensor) if "L" is less than the minimum length.
Steering column length minimum (telescope in) L : Refer to Steering Column . CAUTION:- Before completing this measurement, the steering column telescope must be set to the shortest position, the steering wheel will be farthest away from the driver.
- Do not unlock the tilt and telescope adjustment lever if the steering column assembly is removed from the vehicle.
- If the column telescope is not set to the shortest position, first reinstall the column, move the telescope to the shortest position, then complete the measurement.
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
Check the following items and replace, if necessary.
- Check each part of steering column assembly for damage or other malfunctions. Replace if there are any abnormal conditions.
- Check tilt and telescopic mechanism operating range "T", "L" as shown in the figure, below.
Tilt operating range (T) : Refer to Steering Column . Telescopic operating range (L) : Refer to Steering Column . - Unlock the tilt and telescope adjustment lever, move steering column up and down smoothly without any catching or noise.
- After installation, turn steering wheel to make sure it moves smoothly while turning to the left and right stops.
- Make sure the number of turns is the same from the straight-forward position to left and right stops.
- Make sure that the steering wheel is in a neutral position when driving straight ahead.
- Rotate steering wheel to check for decentered condition, binding, noise, or excessive steering effort.
- Check the steering wheel play, neutral position steering wheel, steering wheel turning torque, and front wheel turning angle.
- Steering wheel play: Refer to Inspection .
- Neutral position steering wheel, steering wheel turning torque, and front wheel turning angle: Refer to Inspection .
- Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to Work Procedure .