Steering Wheel: Inspection

Check Steering Wheel Freeplay
1. Stop the vehicle and face the tires straight ahead.
2. Rock the steering wheel gently up and down with a finger lightly, check the steering wheel freeplay.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Steering Wheel Freeplay
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Maximum freeplay: 30 mm (1.18 in.)
Check Steering Effort
1. Center the steering wheel.
2. Remove the steering wheel pad (See REMOVAL ).
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
  Reference: 5.9 N.m (60 kgf.cm, 52 in.lbf)
  
  NOTE: Take the tire type, pressure and contact surface into consideration before making your diagnosis.
5. Torque the steering wheel set nut.
  Torque: 50 N.m (510 kgf.cm, 37 ft.lbf)
6. Install the steering wheel pad (See INSTALLATION ).
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Steering Effort In Both Directions
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002