Stiff Steering Checklist

NOTE: Having completed visual checks and steering assessment and confirmed that vehicle steering load is incorrect carry out the following procedure in order shown.

STEERING WHEEL, TORQUE TO TURN, LOADS
1. Raise vehicle so both front wheels free.
2. With engine off, centralize steering wheel, and remove steering wheel pad.
- Using torque wrench on column nut, check torque required to turn the steering wheel one turn in each direction.
3. Record readings obtained in each direction.
- Reading should be 4.4 Nm, (3.5 ft. lbs.).

NOTE: `
^ If figures are in excess of that specified carry out steering box tie bar reset below.
^ If figures are as specified See Visual Check and Basic Adjustments. Visual Inspection and Basic Adjustments

STEERING BOX TIE BAR RESET
1. Loosen the tie bar fixings one complete turn.
2. Drive vehicle carefully a short distance, within the dealership, applying full lock in both directions in order to settle steering components. - Drive vehicle over speed bumps and include harsh braking if possible.

WARNING: Do not drive on public highway.

3. Near end of step 2 ensure vehicle is driven in a straight line on level ground and halted.
4. Tighten panhard rod mounting arm nut to 110 Nm, (80 ft. lbs.).
5. Tighten the 2 tie bar to steering box mountings, to 80 Nm, (60 ft. lbs.).
6. Recheck steering wheel torque to turn.
- If torque readies is still greater than specified, carry out steering shaft universal joint lubrication as follows.

LOWER STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT LUBRICATION
1. Check lower steering shaft is correctly phased.
2. Lubricate universal joints with an anti-seize type penetrating spray.
- Work the joints to ensure full penetration of the spray by driving vehicle and steering from lock to lock.
3. If steering stiffness still persists carry out swivel pin preload setting as follows.

SWIVEL PIN PRELOAD SETTING
The swivel pin (knuckle) preload setting must be checked and set, refer to Swivel Pin Housing.

NOTE: A pull load of 1.16-1.46 kg, (2.5-3.2 lbs.) is required after the axle shaft and swivel housing seal have been removed.

STEERING BOX ADJUSTMENT
Check steering box adjustment.

STEERING DAMPER CHECK
Check condition of steering damper. Steering Damper (Steering Kickback)