Steering Wheel and Column: Other Suzuki Equator I

CHECKING STEERING WHEEL PLAY

1. Turn the tires straight ahead and start the engine. Lightly turn the steering wheel left and right to the point where the tires start moving, and measure the distance that the outer circumference of the steering wheel travels. Steering wheel play on the outer circumference: 0 - 35 mm (0 - 1.38 in)

CHECKING NEUTRAL POSITION ON STEERING WHEEL

1. Check the neutral position on the steering wheel after confirming the front wheel alignment is correct. Refer to [ «FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT: ON-VEHICLE SERVICE»(ref-375714-S01576731002010102800000) ].

1. Turn the tires straight ahead, check if the steering wheel is in the neutral position.
2. If it is not in the neutral position, remove the steering wheel and reinstall it correctly on the steering stem, within two teeth of the original position.
3. If the neutral position cannot be attained by repositioning the steering wheel within two teeth on the steering stem, loosen the tie-rod lock nuts of the steering outer sockets, then adjust the tie-rods by the same amount in the opposite direction of the steering wheel.

Scheme 26

1. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
2. Start engine.
3. Bring the power steering fluid up to adequate operating temperature. Make sure the fluid temperature is approximately 50°- 80°C (122°- 176°F).
4. Tires need to be inflated to specified pressure. Refer to [ «SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-375696-S27022992302010102800000) ].
5. Check steering wheel turning force using Tool when steering wheel has been turned 360° from the neutral position. Tool number: - (J-44372) Steering wheel turning force: 39 N (4 kg-f, 9 lb-f) or less
6. If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, inspect the following: Steering column. Refer to [ «STEERING COLUMN: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-375696-S17074320782010102800000) ]. Power steering oil pump. Refer to [ «POWER STEERING OIL PUMP: ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION AND SERVICE»(ref-375745-S42898594302010102800000) ].
7. If steering column and power steering oil pump meet specifications, replace steering gear. Refer to [ «POWER STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-375696-S10085087742010102800000) ].

CHECKING FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE

When checking the front wheel turning angle, refer to [ FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT: ON-VEHICLE SERVICE ]

Scheme 27

1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Remove the driver air bag module. Refer to [ «DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-375693-S22960868372010102800000) ].
3. Disconnect the steering wheel switches.
4. Remove the steering wheel center nut.
5. Remove the steering wheel, using Tools. Tool number A: KV481J0010 (J-1859A) B: KV481J0020 (J-42578)

1. Inspect the steering wheel near the puller holes for damage. If damage is found, replace the steering wheel. Remove the steering wheel rear cover and steering wheel switches, if required. CAUTION: Place a piece of tape across the spiral cable so it will not be rotated out of position.

Boot

Check boot for tears, cracks and deformation. Replace if necessary.

Steering Column

STEERING COLUMN SPECIFICATIONS Steering column length "L1" 165.1 mm (6.500 in) Steering column length "L2" 258.0 mm (10.16 in) Tilt range "A" 73.8 mm (2.906 in)

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Steering Gear Outer and Inner Socket

STEERING GEAR OUTER AND INNER SOCKET SPECIFICATIONS Steering gear type PR26AM Outer socket Swinging torque 0.3 - 2.9 N.m (0.03 - 0.29 kg-m, 3 - 25 in-lb) Measurement on spring balance Measuring point: cotter pin hole of stud 4.84 - 46.7 N (0.50 - 4.7 kg-f, 4 - 34 lb-f) Rotating torque 0.3 - 2.9 N.m (0.03 - 0.29 kg-m, 3 - 25 in-lb) Axial end play 0.5 mm (0.020 in) or less Inner socket Swinging torque 1.0 - 7.8 N.m (0.11 - 0.79 kg-m, 9 - 69 in-lb) Measurement on spring balance Measuring point: L mark see above, L=83.2 mm (3.276 in). 12.1 - 93.7 N (1.3 - 9.5 kg-f, 9 - 69 lb-f) Axial end play 0.2 mm (0.08 in) or less

Scheme 30

Tie-rod

TIE-ROD SPECIFICATIONS Tie-rod maximum length "L" 84 mm (3.31 in)

Scheme 31

Special Service Tool

Refer to [ SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL ].

Commercial Service Tool

Refer to [ COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOL ].