Steering System: Repair

STEERING OFF CENTER REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Inspect steering wheel off center.
  1. Apply masking tape on the top center of the steering wheel and steering column upper cover.
  2. Driving the vehicle on a straight line for 100 meters at a constant speed of 35 mph (56 km/h), and hold the steering wheel to maintain the course.
    
    Fig 1: Inspecting Steering Wheel OFF Center
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. Draw a line on the masking tape as shown in the illustration.
    
    Fig 2: Identifying Line On Masking Tape
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Turn the steering wheel to its straight position.
    HINT:
    
    Refer to the upper surface of the steering wheel, steering spoke and SRS airbag line for the straight position.
  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.
    
    Fig 3: Identifying Steering Wheel To Its Straight Position
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  7. Convert the measured distance to steering angle.
    Measured distance 1 mm (0.04 in.) = Steering angle approximately 1 degree.
    
    HINT:
    
    Make a note of the steering angle.
2. Adjust steering angle.
  NOTE: The adjustment method for steering angle varies depending on the models. Check whether it is type A or B.
  1. Draw a line on the RH and LH tie rod and rack ends where it can easily be seen.
  2. Using a paper gauge, measure the distance from RH and LH tie rod ends to the rack end screws.
    HINT:
    - Measure the RH side and LH side.
    - Make a note of the measured values.
      
      Fig 4: Identifying Line On RH & LH Tie Rod And Rack
      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots.
  4. Loosen the RH and LH lock nuts.
  5. Turn the RH and LH rack ends by the same amount (but in different directions) according to the steering angle.
    1 turn 360 degrees of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) to 12 degrees of steering angle.
  6. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts by the specified torque.
    Torque: 74 N.m (755 kgf.cm, 55 ft.lbf)
    
    Fig 5: Loosening RH & LH Lock Nuts
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    NOTE: Make sure that the difference in length between RH and LH tie rod ends and rack end screws are within 1.5 mm (0.059 in.).
  7. Reinstall the RH and LH boot clips.