Straight-Ahead Check
After completing all the necessary operations on the steering gear, such as removing and installing, disassembling and assembling, check the exact straight-ahead position of the steering in each case.
With the vehicle on the floor, place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position. Mark the centerline of both tires on the floor. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and mark the new centerline of both tires on the floor.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
| Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position. Is the wheel in the correct position? |
- | Go to Step 2 | - |
| 2 | Is the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt lying parallel to the steering gear? | - | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 4 |
| 3 | Is the steering wheel off center by more than 5°? | - | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 6 |
| 4 | The pinion is displaced on the rack. The steering pinion position must be corrected. Is the repair complete? |
- | Go to Step 2 | - |
| 5 | Remove steering wheel and center it on the spindle splines. Is the repair complete? |
- | Go to Step 3 | - |
| 6 | Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Measure the inner and the outer angles of the tire centerline compared to the straight-ahead centerline. Are the angles within specifications? |
Inner angle: 38.8° Outer angle: 32.2° | System OK | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | The rack assembly was not assembled correctly. Repair, as needed. Is the repair complete? |
- | Go to Step 6 | - |