Steering System: Repair

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT STEERING POSITION
1. Apply masking tape on the top center of the steering wheel and steering column cover upper.
2. Drive the vehicle in a straight line for 100 m (328 ft.) at a constant speed of 56 km/h (35 mph), and hold the steering wheel to maintain the course.
  
  Fig 1: Applying Masking Tape On Top Center Of Steering Wheel
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Draw a line on the masking tape as shown.
  
  Fig 2: Drawing Line On Masking Tape
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position.
  HINT:
  
  Locate the center position by looking at: 1) the upper surface of the steering wheel, 2) the cover upper, and 3) the horizontal line of the "SRS Airbag" symbol imprinted on the steering pad.
5. Draw a new line on the masking tape of the steering wheel as shown in the illustration.
6. Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape of the steering wheel.
7. Calculate the measured distance in terms of steering angle.
  Reference:
  
  1 mm (0.004 in.) = 1°
  
  HINT:
  
  Make a note of the steering angle.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Distance Between 2 Lines On Masking Tape On Steering Wheel
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
ADJUST STEERING ANGLE
1. Draw a line on the RH and LH tie rod and rack ends respectively, where it can be easily seen.
2. Using a paper gauge, measure the distance from the 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.
    
    Fig 4: Identifying Marked Line
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots.
4. Loosen the RH and LH look nuts.
5. Turn the RH and LH rack ends equally in different directions according to the steering angle.
  Reference:
  
  One 360° turn of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) is equal to 12° of steering angle.
6. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts.
  Torque: 55 N*m (560 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 within 1.5 mm (0.059 in.).
  
  Fig 5: Identifying RH & LH Rack Boot Clips
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. Install the RH and LH boot clips.