Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

Steering Column Inspection

Inspection

1. Remove the steering column.

2. Check these items:

- Check the steering column ball bearing (A) and the steering joint bearing (B) 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 (C) for distortion or breakage. If there is distortion or breakage, replace the steering column as an assembly.
- Check the tilt mechanism for movement and damage.





3. Install the steering column.

Check of Tilting Force

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

2. Attach a commercially available spring scale (A) 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, or if the tilt function feels rough, do the following.

- Loosen the attaching nuts and bolts so they are finger-tight.
- Release the lock lever, and tilt the steering column several times.
- Tilt the column down, then tighten the lock lever.
- Tighten the attaching nuts, then tighten the attaching bolts.

7. Test the tilting force again. If the force is still higher than the specification, replace the steering column as an assembly Steering Column Removal/Installation.

Lock Lever Preload Inspection/Adjustment

1. Move the lock lever (A) from the loosened position to the locked position three to five times, then measure the lock lever preload 10 mm (0.39 in) in from its end.









2. If the measurement is out of the specification, adjust the preload using the following procedures:

- Loosen the lock lever, and set the steering column to the neutral position.
- Remove the 6 mm lock bolt (B), and remove the stop (C). Be careful not to loosen the lock lever when installing the stop or tightening the 6 mm lock bolt.
- Adjust the preload by turning the tilt lock bolt (D) left or right.
- Pull up the lock lever to the uppermost position, and install the stop. Check the preload again. If the measurement is still out of specification, repeat the above procedures to adjust.