Section 567 (Steering Wheel): Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Toyota Sequoia. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY
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 free play.
  Maximum free play: 30 mm (1.18 in.)
  
  Fig 1: Checking Steering Wheel Free Play
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING EFFORT
1. Center the steering wheel.
2. Remove the steering wheel pad (See COMPONENTS ).
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
  Steering effort (Reference):
  
  4.9 N.m (50 kgf.cm, 43 in.lbf)
  
  NOTE: Take the tire type, pressure and contact surface into consideration before making your diagnosis.
  
  Fig 2: Checking Steering Effort
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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 ).