Steering - Except Evolution: Other — Mitsubishi Lancer IX (2000-2007)

STEERING WHEEL RETURN TO CENTER CHECK

Conduct a road test

Make both gradual and sudden turns and check the steering wheel return.
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.)

Scheme 167

DRIVE BELT TENSION CHECK

Refer to GROUP 00, Maintenance Service - Drive Belts

POWER STEERING SYSTEM AIR BLEEDING

Perform air bleeding procedure as necessary after replacing the steering gear box or the steering fluid lines.

Scheme 168

Scheme 168: POWER STEERING SYSTEM AIR BLEEDING

Scheme 169

Raise and support the front wheels.
Disconnect the high-tension cable. 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). CAUTION: Be careful not to place the high-tension cable near the fuel rail. Perform air bleeding only while cranking the engine. If air bleeding is performed while the engine is running, air could enter the fluid. During air bleeding, refill the steering fluid supply so that the level never falls below the lower mark on the dipstick.
Connect the high-tension cable. Start the engine (idling).
Turn the steering wheel to the left and right until there are no air bubbles in the oil reservoir.
Confirm that the fluid is not milky, and that the level is between the high and low dipstick marks.
Confirm that there is very little change in the fluid level when the steering wheel is turned left and right.
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. 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.
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

MB990662: Pressure Gauge
MB991548: Power Steering Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter (Pump Side)
MB991549: Power Steering Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter (Hose Side)

Disconnect the pressure hose from the oil pump, and then connect special tools MB991548, MB990662 and MB991549.
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).
The engine should be idling.
Disconnect the connector for the oil pressure switch, and place an ohmmeter at the switch.
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: 1.5 - 2.0 MPa (217 - 290 psi)
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: 0.7 - 2.0 MPa (102 - 290 psi)
Remove special tools MB991548, MB990662 and MB991549, and then tighten the pressure hose to the specified torque. Tightening torque: 7 +/- 57 N.m (5 +/- 42 ft-lb)
Bleed the system. (Refer to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM AIR BLEEDING»(ref-183637-S16004667842005081800000) .)

Scheme 170

BALL JOINT DUST COVER CHECK

Press the dust cover with your finger to check whether the dust cover is cracked or damaged.
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.

>> A << BOLT

Before installing the bolt, coat the mounting hole on the toe board with the specified sealant.

Specified Sealant: 3M TM AAD Part No. 8633 Windo-weld
Resealant or equivalent

Scheme 171

Scheme 172

Scheme 172: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY

TIE ROD SWING RESISTANCE CHECK

Give 10 hard swings to the tie rod.
Measure the tie rod swing resistance with a spring scale. Standard value: 6 - 19 N (26.7 - 84.5 lb) [1.5 - 4.9 N.m (13.2 - 43.4 in-lb)]
If the measured value exceeds the standard value, replace tie rod.
If the measured value is below the standard value, the tie rod can be re-used if it swings smoothly without excessive play.

Scheme 173

Scheme 173: TIE ROD END BALL JOINT DUST COVER CHECK

Check the dust cover for cracks or damage by pushing it with your finger.
If the dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace the tie rod end. (Refer to «DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY»(ref-183637-S22857619852005081800000) .) 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 «TIE ROD END BALL JOINT DUST COVER REPLACEMENT»(ref-183637-S14649176282005081800000) .)

Scheme 174

Scheme 174: DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY