Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

Steering Column Inspection

Inspection

1. Remove the steering column. Steering Column Removal and Installation

2. Do these checks:
- Check for loose bearing mounting nuts (A). If they are loose, replace the column as an assembly.

- Check the steering column ball bearings (B) and the steering joints (C) for play and proper movement. If any bearing is noisy or has excessive play, replace the steering column as an assembly.

- Check the sliding capsules (D) for distortion or breakage. If there is distortion or breakage, replace the steering column as an assembly.

- Check the tilt mechanism and telescopic mechanism for movement and damage.

3. Install the steering column. Steering Column Removal and Installation






Check of Tilting Force

1. Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully.

2. Attach the spring scale to the highest point of the steering wheel, and tilt the steering column to the lowest position.






3. Pull the spring scale straight up, and read the force required to move the steering column.

4. Attach the spring scale to the lowest point of the steering wheel.

5. Pull the spring scale straight down, and read the force required to move the steering column.





6. If the measurement is higher than specified, replace the steering column as an assembly. Steering Column Removal and Installation

Check of Telescoping Force

1. Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully.

2. Attach the spring scale (A) to the center point of the steering wheel as shown.

3. Pull the spring scale, and read the force required to move the steering column during telescoping.





4. If the measurement is higher than specified, replace the steering column as an assembly. Steering Column Removal and Installation






Check of Lock Lever Force

1. Move the lock lever (A) from the loosened position to the locked position three to five times, then release the lock lever. Adjust the steering column to the center tilt position and also to the full telescopic out position, and hold the steering wheel.

2. Using a commercially available push-pull gauge, push the lock lever 10 mm (0.39 in.) in from its end, and measure the force required to move lock lever.










3. If the measurement is out of the specification, adjust the preload using the following procedures:
- Remove the steering wheel, Steering Wheel Removal then remove the column covers. Service and Repair

- Adjust the preload by turning the nut (A).

- Check the preload again. If the measurement is still out of specification, repeat the above procedures to adjust.

- Install the column covers, Service and Repair then install the steering wheel. Steering Wheel Installation