Steering System: Repair

STEERING OFF CENTER REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Inspect steering wheel off center.
  1. Apply masking tape to the top center of the steering wheel and steering column upper cover.
  2. Drive the vehicle in a straight line for 100 meters at a constant speed of 35 mph (56 km/h), and hold the steering wheel to maintain the course.
    
    Fig 1: Identifying Masking Tape On Top Center Of Steering Wheel & Steering Column Upper Cover
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. Draw a line on the masking tape.
    
    Fig 2: Identifying Line On Masking Tape
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Turn the steering wheel to its straight position.
    HINT:
    
    Refer to the steering column upper cover and marked line on the steering wheel to find the straight position.
  5. Draw a new line on the masking tape on the steering wheel as shown in Fig 3.
  6. Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape of the steering wheel.
  7. Convert the measured distance to the steering angle.
    Measured distance 1 mm (0.04 in.):
    
    Steering angle approximately 1 deg.
    
    HINT:
    
    Make a note of the steering angle.
    
    Fig 3: Identifying Line On Steering Wheel Masking Tape
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Adjust the steering angle.
  1. Draw lines on the RH and LH tie rods and on the RH and LH rack ends which can easily be seen.
    
    Fig 4: Identifying Lines On Tie Rod
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. Using a paper gauge, measure the distances from RH and LH tie rod ends to the rack end screws.
    HINT:
    - Measure both the RH and LH sides.
    - Make a note of the measured values.
  3. Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots.
  4. Loosen the RH and LH lock nuts.
  5. Turn the RH and LH rack ends by the same amount (but in different directions) according to the steering angle.
    Amount of turn:
    
    360° turn of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) -11° of steering angle.
  6. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts.
    Torque: 56 N*m (566 kgf*cm, 41 ft.*lbf)
    
    NOTE: Make sure that the difference in length between the RH and LH tie rod ends and rack end screws is less than 1.5 mm (0.059 in.).
  7. Install the RH and LH boot clips.
    
    Fig 5: Identifying RH & LH Boot Clips
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002