Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection

Steering gear, overall inspection

Special tools:
999 5053 SOCKET 999 5053 Socket
999 8081 TORQUE GAUGE 0-6 Nm 999 8081 Torque Gauge 0-6 Nm

General
Start the engine and set the wheels pointing straight ahead.
Turn the steering wheel slowly from left to right.
Note when the wheels start turning.
If the play in the steering wheel is more than 30 mm: see step Checking steering gear for play.

Checking steering gear for play




Check the joints for play.
Remove worn components as necessary.
If there is still play: see step Checking steering gear housing for play.

Checking steering gear housing for play




Put the wheels pointing straight ahead and switch the engine off.
Apply a force of 5 Nm to the steering wheel.
The maximum play in the steering gear must not be more than 10 mm.

If the play in the steering gear is more than 10 mm:
- Check the pre-stress on the pinion, see step Adjusting pre-tension on pinion.

Adjusting pre-tension on pinion




Remove the steering gear housing, see steps Steering gear housing, removing/installing Removal and Replacement.
Tighten the nut to 15 Nm.
Do this with the steering gear housing in the central position.
Install special tool 999 5053 SOCKET 999 5053 Socket on the pinion shaft.
Turn the toothed segment from end to end a few times with special tool 999 8081 TORQUE GAUGE 0-6 Nm 999 8081 Torque Gauge 0-6 Nm.
Turn the locknut back through 30-60°.
Measure the pre-stress: 0.6-1.4 Nm.
Reset the pre-stress if necessary from the highest value between 30° en 60°.
Install the locking plate.
Lock the locknut.
Install the steering gear housing, see steps Steering gear housing, removing/installing Removal and Replacement.