Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection

STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE INSPECTION

Steering Rack Inspection

1. Inspect for cracking, damage, and tooth wear.

- If there is any malfunction, replace the steering rack.

2. Measure the steering rack warp.






- If it exceeds the maximum specification, replace the steering rack.

Steering rack runout
- Large diameter portion (near point A): 0.15 mm {0.006 in} max.
- Small diameter portion (near point B): 0.20 mm {0.008 in} max.

Tie-rod End Inspection

1. Inspect the tie-rod end for damage and boot cracks. Replace it if necessary.

2. Inspect the ball joint for looseness. Replace the tie-rod end if necessary.

3. Rotate the ball joint five times.

4. Measure the rotation torque of the ball joint using the SST and a pull scale.






Tie-rod end rotation torque
- 0.5-3.0 Nm {0.06-30 kgf-cm, 5-26 in-lbf}
[Pull scale reading 5-30 N {0.6-3.0 kgf, 3.7-22 lbf}

Tie rod Inspection

1. Inspect for bending and damage.

- If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod.

2. Inspect for excessive play.

- If there is any malfunction, replace the tie rod.

3. Swing the ball joint 10 times.

4. Measure the ball joint swing torque using a pull scale.






- If it exceeds the specification, replace the tie rod.

Tie rod swing torque
- 0.4-4.0 Nm {5-40 kgf-cm, 4-35 in-lbf}
- [Pull scale reading 4.2-41.6 N {0.43-4.24 kgf, 0.95-9.35 lbf}]