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Steering Column (Inspection): Diagnosis Lexus GS III facelift

Steering Column 6 illustrations ~525 words

PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE

HINT

Use the table below to help determine the cause of problem symptoms. If multiple suspected areas are listed, the potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected Area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.

SymptomSuspected AreaSee
Hard steeringTires (Improperly inflated)Refer to INSPECTION
Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)Refer to ADJUSTMENT
Steering system joints (Worn)
Suspension arm ball joints (Worn)Refer to INSPECTION
Steering column (Binding) (for 2GR-FSE)Refer to REMOVAL
Steering column (Binding) (for 1UR-FSE)Refer to REMOVAL
Power steering gear (for 2WD)Refer to REMOVAL
Power steering gear (for 4WD)Refer to REMOVAL
Poor returnTires (Improperly inflated)Refer to INSPECTION
Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)Refer to ADJUSTMENT
Steering column (Binding) (for 2GR-FSE)Refer to REMOVAL
Steering column (Binding) (for 1UR-FSE)Refer to REMOVAL
Power steering gear (for 2WD)Refer to REMOVAL
Power steering gear (for 4WD)Refer to REMOVAL
Excessive freeplaySteering system joints (Worn)
Suspension arm ball joints (Worn)Refer to INSPECTION
Intermediate shaft, Universal joint, Sliding yoke (Worn)
Front wheel bearing (Worn)Refer to ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Power steering gear (for 2WD)Refer to REMOVAL
Power steering gear (for 4WD)Refer to REMOVAL
Abnormal noiseSteering system joints (Worn)
Power steering gear (for 2WD)Refer to REMOVAL
Power steering gear (for 4WD)Refer to REMOVAL

STEERING SYSTEM

Scheme 45

Scheme 45: ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
  1. INSPECT STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY Stop the vehicle and align the tires facing straight ahead. Gently turn the steering wheel right and left by hand, and check the steering wheel free play. Maximum free play 30 mm (1.18 in.) If the free play exceeds the maximum, check the steering column, steering intermediate shaft, steering sliding yoke or steering gear.

Scheme 46

Scheme 46: REPAIR

Scheme 47

Scheme 47

Scheme 48

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Scheme 49

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Scheme 50

Scheme 50
  1. STEERING OFF CENTER REPAIR PROCEDURE NOTE: Check troubleshooting items for "steering off center" of "VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM" Refer to «PRECAUTION»(ref-382810-S26611842442011012800000). Check that the "STRAIGH ANG FLG" in the data list is "VALID". HINT: This is the repair procedure for steering off center. Inspect steering wheel off center. Apply masking tape on the top center of the steering wheel and steering column upper cover. Drive the vehicle in a straight line for 100 meters at a constant speed of 35 mph (56 km/h), and hold the steering wheel to maintain the course. Draw a line on the masking tape as shown in the illustration. Turn the steering wheel to the center position. HINT: Look at the upper surface of the steering wheel, steering spoke and SRS airbag line to find the center position. Draw a new line on the masking tape on the steering wheel as shown in the illustration. Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape on the steering wheel. Convert the measured distance to steering angle. HINT: Measured distance 1 mm (0.04 in) = Steering angle of approximately 1 degree. Make a note of the steering angle. Adjust steering angle. Draw a line on the RH and LH tie rod ends and rack ends respectively where it can easily seen. Using a paper gauge, measure the distance from the RH and LH tie rod ends to the rack end screws. HINT: Measure both the RH and LH sides. Make a note of the measured values. Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots. Loosen the RH and LH lock nuts. Turn the RH and LH rack ends by the same amount (but in different directions) according to the steering angle. HINT: One 360 degree turn of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) equals to 12 degrees of steering angle. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts to the specified torque. Torque: 56 N*m ( 571 kgf*cm, 41 ft.*lbf) NOTE: Make sure that the difference in length between the RH and LH tie rod ends and rack end screws is within 1.5 mm (0.059 in.). Install the RH and LH boot clips. Perform steering angle sensor zero point calibration Refer to «CALIBRATION»(ref-382573-S05048789232011012800000).
  2. PERFORM VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM CALIBRATION Refer to «CALIBRATION»(ref-382810-S39353253692011012800000)

See also:
ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION