STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN INSPECTION

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Warning

•  Always inspect the steering component carefully for any shock or impact which may have occurred during a collision or servicing operation. If a damaged part or a part suspected of being damaged is used, it could result in an unexpected accident due to the steering mechanism being inoperative. Always replace the damaged part or part suspected of being damaged.

Play Inspection

1.  With the wheels in the straight-ahead position, start the engine.

2.  Turn the steering wheel to the left and right gently, then verify that the steering wheel play is within the specification.

Looseness, Excessive Play Inspection

1.  Inspect the steering wheel for looseness or excessive play in the axial direction of the shaft and four locations around the steering wheel.

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•  If there is any malfunction, inspect the following, and repair or replace the applicable part.

?  Column bearing wear

?  Looseness of the steering wheel installation part

?  Looseness of the column installation area

?  Excessive play in the intermediate shaft joint

?  Excessive play in the steering gear

Tilt/Telescope Mechanism Operation Inspection

Caution

•  If the adjusting lever is released without the steering column secured to the vehicle, it may cause a malfunction. Always release the adjusting lever with the steering column secured to the vehicle.

1.  Inspect the tilt/telescope mechanism operation for the following:

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(1)  The adjusting lever moves smoothly from the lock to the unlock position.

(2)  The steering shaft is fixed firmly when the adjusting lever is locked.

•  If there is any malfunction, replace the steering column. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)

Steering Force Inspection

Warning

•  Handling the driver-side air bag module improperly can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the SRS air bag system service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS.) (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS.)

Note

•  When removing the driver-side air bag module, it is necessary to rotate the steering wheel. If the ignition has been switched off with the driver's door closed, the steering wheel will be locked. Perform the procedure from Steps 3-5 so that the steering wheel will not be locked.

1.  Verify that the equipped tire size and tire air pressure is as specified.

2.  Park the vehicle on a level concrete surface.

3.  Switch the ignition ON (engine off or on).

4.  Open the driver's door.

5.  Switch the ignition off.

6.  Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait for 1 min or more. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION.)

7.  Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL.) (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE INSTALLATION.)

8.  Connect the negative battery terminal. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION.)

9.  Straighten the steering wheel.

10.  Start the engine and idle it.

11.  Verify that the power steering malfunction indicator light is not illuminated or flashing.

12.  Inspect the steering torque using a torque wrench.

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•  If it exceeds the reference value, inspect the steering gear and linkage. (See STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE INSPECTION.)

Note

•  Comparing another vehicle of the same model under the same conditions is an acceptable inspection method.

•  The steering torque varies with the conditions indicated below.

?  Road conditions: Such as dry, wet, asphalt, or concrete

?  Tire condition: Such as brand, wear, and tire pressure