Steering System: Repair

CORRECT STEERING OFF CENTER
1. Check whether the steering wheel is off-center.
  1. Apply masking tape to the top center of the steering wheel and the steering column upper cover.
    
    Fig 1: Identifying Masking Tape To Top Center Of Steering Wheel
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. Drive the vehicle in a straight line for 100 meters at a constant speed of 35 mph (56 km/ h), holding the steering wheel to maintain the course.
  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 the straight position.
    HINT:
    
    Look at the upper surface of the steering wheel, the steering spokes and the SRS airbag line to determine the straight position.
  5. Draw another 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 on the steering wheel.
  7. Convert the measured distance to the steering angle.
    HINT:
    - Measured distance of 1 mm (0.04 in.) = Approximately 1 degree steering angle.
    - Make a note of the steering angle.
      
      Fig 3: Identifying Another Line On Masking Tape On Steering Wheel
      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Adjust the steering angle
3. For steps ( 1) and ( 2) below, carry out RH and LH procedures separately.
  1. Draw a line on the tie rod and rack end where it can easily be seen.
  2. Using a paper gauge, measure the distance between the tie rod end and the rack end screw.
    
    Fig 4: Identifying Line On Tie Rod & Rack End
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  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 opposite directions) in accordance with the steering angle.
    HINT:
    - Electronic Power Steering: 1 turn (360°) of rack end (1.25 mm (0.049 in.) horizontal movement) - 10.5° of steering angle.
      
      Fig 5: Locating RH & LH Boot Clip
      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  6. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts.
    Torque: 74 N*m (755 kgf*cm, 55 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.