Steering System: Repair

STEERING OFF CENTER REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Inspect steering wheel off center.
  1. Apply masking tape to the top center of the steering wheel and steering column upper cover.
    
    Fig 1: Applying Masking Tape To Top Center Of Steering Wheel And Steering Column Upper Cover
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. Drive the vehicle in 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.
  3. Draw a line on the masking tape as shown in Fig 2.
    
    Fig 2: Drawing Line On Masking Tape
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Turn the steering wheel to the 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 on the steering wheel as shown in Fig 3.
    
    Fig 3: Drawing New Line On Masking Tape On Steering Wheel
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  6. Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape on the steering wheel.
  7. Convert the measured distance to the steering angle.
  Measured distance 1 mm (0.04 in.) = Steering angle approximately 1 deg.
  
  HINT:
  
  Make a note of the steering angle.
2. Adjust the steering angle.
3. For the steps 1 and 2, carry out RH and LH procedures separately.
  1. Draw a line on the tie rod and rack end where it can easily be seen.
    
    Fig 4: Drawing Line On Tie Rod And Rack End
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. Using a paper gage, measure the distance between the tie rod end and the rack end screw.
  3. Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots.
  4. Loosen the RH and LH lock nuts.
    
    Fig 5: Removing Boot Clips And Loosening Lock Nuts
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  5. Turn the RH and LH rack end by the same amount (but in different directions) according to the steering angle.
    1 turn 360 deg. of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) - 12 deg. of steering angle.
  6. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts.
    Torque: 74 N.m (755 kgf.cm, 55 ft.lbf)
    
    NOTE: Make sure that the difference in length between the RH and LH tie rod ends and rack end screws are within 1.5 mm (0.059 in.).
  7. Install the RH and LH boot clips.