Steering - Evolution: Other Mitsubishi Lancer IX

STEERING WHEEL RETURN TO CENTER CHECK

Conduct a road test

Scheme 86

1. Make both gradual and sudden turns and check the steering wheel return.
2. At a vehicle speed of approximately 35 km/h (22 mph), turn the steering wheel 90 degrees, hold a few seconds, then release. If the steering wheel then returns 70 degrees or more, the return can be judged satisfactory. NOTE: There will be a momentary feeling or "heaviness" when the wheel is turned quickly, but this is not abnormal. (Oil pump discharge amount is especially apt to be insufficient during idling.)

DRIVE BELT TENSION CHECK

Refer to CHECKING DRIVE BELTS .

Scheme 87

1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface.
2. Start the engine, and then turn the steering wheel several times to raise the temperature of the fluid to approximately 50 - 60°C (122 - 140°F).
3. With the engine running, turn the wheel all the way to the left and right several times.
4. Check the fluid in the oil reservoir for foaming or milkiness. Check the difference of the fluid level when the engine is stopped, and while it is running. If the fluid contains air or has milky appearance, or the fluid level fluctuate by 5 mm (0.2 inch) or more, power steering system air bleeding should be done.

Scheme 88

1. Raise and support the front wheels.
2. Disconnect the return hose connection, and then connect a vinyl hose to the return hose, and drain the fluid into a container.
3. Disconnect the ignition coil connectors.
4. While operating the starter motor intermittently, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right several times to drain all of the fluid.
5. Connect the return hose securely, and then secure with the clip.
6. Fill the oil reservoir with GENUINE MITSUBISHI POWER STEERING FLUID up to the lower position of the filler, and then bleed the air.

POWER STEERING SYSTEM AIR BLEEDING

Perform air bleeding procedure as necessary after replacing the steering gear, oil pump or the steering fluid lines.

Scheme 89

1. Raise and support the front wheels.
2. Disconnect the ignition coil connectors. CAUTION: Perform air bleeding only while cranking the engine. Do not perform air bleeding while the engine is running. If you do so, air in the fluid will be grained and air bleeding will become more difficult. During air bleeding, refill the steering fluid so that the level never falls below the lower mark on the dipstick.
3. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right five or six times while using the starter motor to crank the engine intermittently several times (for 15 to 20 seconds).
4. Connect the ignition coil connectors.
5. Start the engine (idling).
6. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right until there are not air bubbles in the oil reservoir.
7. Confirm that the fluid is not milky, and that the level is between the high and low dipstick marks.
8. Confirm that there is very little change in the fluid level when the steering wheel is turned left and right. CAUTION: If the fluid level rises suddenly after the engine is stopped, the air has not been completely bled. If air bleeding is not complete, there will be abnormal noises from the pump and the flow-control valve, and this condition could cause reduce the life of the power steering components.
9. Confirm that the change in the fluid level is no more than 5 mm (0.2 inch) when the engine is stopped and when it is running.
10. If the change of the fluid level is 5 mm (0.2 inch) or more, the air has not been completely bled from the system. The air bleeding procedure must be repeated.

POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH CHECK

Required Special Tools

1. MB990662: Power Steering Oil Pressure Gauge
2. MB991548: Power Steering Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter (Pump Side)
3. MB991549: Power Steering Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter (Hose Side)

Scheme 90

1. Disconnect the pressure hose from the oil pump, and then connect the special tools MB991548, MB990662 and MB991549.
2. Bleed air, and then turn the steering wheel several times while the vehicle is not moving so that the temperature of the fluid rises to approximately 50 - 60°C (122 - 140°F).
3. The engine should be idling.
4. Disconnect the connector for the oil pressure switch, and place an ohmmeter at the switch.
5. Gradually close the shut-off valve of the pressure gauge and increase the hydraulic pressure, then check whether or not the hydraulic pressure that activates the switch is the standard value. Standard value: 1.8 - 2.4 MPa (261 - 348 psi)
6. Gradually open the shut-off valve and reduce the hydraulic pressure; then check whether or not the hydraulic pressure that deactivates the switch is the standard value. Standard value: 1.0 - 2.4 MPa (145 - 348 psi)
7. Remove the special tools MB991548, MB990662 and MB991549, and then tighten the pressure tube flare nut to the specified torque. Tightening torque: 18+/-3 N.m (13+/-2 ft-lb)
8. Bleed the system. (Refer to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM AIR BLEEDING»(ref-183225-S28390124022005081200000) ).

TIE ROD END BALL JOINT DUST COVER CHECK

1. Press the dust cover with your finger to check whether the dust cover is cracked or damaged.
2. If the dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace the tie rod end. NOTE: If the dust cover is cracked or damaged, the ball joint could be damaged.

<< B >> SELF LOCKING NUT (TIE ROD END AND KNUCKLE CONNECTION) DISCONNECTION

Scheme 91

Scheme 92

1. Install special tool MB991897 as shown in the figure.
2. Turn the bolt and knob as necessary to make the jaws of special tool MB991897 parallel, tighten the bolt by hand and confirm that the jaws are still parallel. NOTE: When adjusting the jaws in parallel, make sure the knob is in the position shown in the figure.
3. Tighten the bolt with a wrench to disconnect the tie rod end.

1. Check the dust cover for cracks or damage by pushing it with your finger.
2. If the dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace the tie rod end. (Refer to «DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-183225-S00829989032005081200000) ). NOTE: Cracks or damage of the dust cover may damage the ball joint. If it is damaged during service work, replace the dust cover. (Refer to «>> O << TIE ROD END/JAM NUT INSTALLATION»(ref-183225-S28621267442005081200000) )

Scheme 93

Required Special Tools

1. MB990776: Front Axle Base
2. MB990927: Installer Adapter
3. MB990938: Bar (Snap-in type)
4. MB990939: Brass Bar
5. MB990941: Torque Tube Bearing Installer
6. MB991006: Preload Socket
7. MB991120: Needle Bearing Puller
8. MB991152: Dust Cover Installer
9. MB991197: Bar (Long type)
10. MB991199: Oil Seal and Bearing Installer
11. MB991203: Oil Seal and Bearing Installer
12. MB991204: Torque Wrench Socket
13. MB991214: Rack Installer
14. MB991317: Seal Ring Installer
15. MB991561: Boot Band Crimping Tool

Scheme 94