Power Rack & Pinion: Other Lexus RX I

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING

1. Fill reservoir. Note fluid level carefully. Raise and support front of vehicle. With engine off, rotate steering wheel from lock to lock several times. Lower vehicle.
2. Start engine. With engine idling, rotate steering wheel to full lock position, either left or right, and hold in position for 2-3 seconds. Then rotate steering wheel to opposite full lock position and hold it there for 2-3 seconds. Repeat several times. Stop engine. Check for foaming or emulsification. Check fluid level. Repeat procedure if necessary.

POWER STEERING PUMP BELT

On ES300 and RX300 models, measure drive belt tension, using Belt Tension Gauge (95506-00020). Adjust belt to obtain 150-185 lbs. (68-84 kg) tension for new belt, or 95-135 lbs. (43-61 kg) tension for any belt that has run longer than 5 minutes. All other vehicles are equipped with an automatic belt tensioner, and do not require adjustment.

CABLE REEL

Note. Cable reel may also be known as spiral cable or clockspring.

1. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Remove steering wheel and horn pad. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-2875-S10488398422000041300000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in STEERING COLUMNS article.
2. Rotate cable reel counterclockwise by hand until it becomes hard to turn. Rotate cable reel clockwise 2 1/2-3 turns. Mating marks should align. Reference mark should be visible through inspection hole. Install steering wheel, ensuring mating marks are aligned.

STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE

Note. Tire type, inflation pressure, and contact surface will affect turning effort, and must be considered while making diagnosis.

1. Center steering wheel. Remove steering wheel horn pad. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-2875-S10488398422000041300000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in STEERING COLUMNS article. With engine at idle, attach torque wrench to steering wheel nut. (Scheme 10) Measure turning effort in both directions. Maximum steering effort should not exceed specification. See «STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE»(ref-4976-S10561285122000073100000) table.
2. If steering effort is excessive, repair system as necessary. Unplug pressure control valve harness connector. Measure turning effort again. If steering effort is excessive, repair system as necessary. See ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING article.

STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE

Scheme 10