Steering Wheel: Inspection

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 REMOVAL ).
3. Start the engine and run it at idle.
4. Measure the steering effort in both directions.
  Steering effort (Reference):
  
  5.9 N.m (60 kgf.cm, 52 in.lbf)
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Steering Effort In Both Directions
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  HINT:
  
  Take the tire type, pressure and contact surface into consideration before making your diagnosis.
5. Install the steering wheel set nut.
  Torque: 50 N.m (500 kgf.cm, 35 ft.lbf)
6. Install the steering wheel pad (See INSTALLATION ).