Steering Column - Fixed Toyota Tercel L20

DESCRIPTION

Steering columns used on these models are of collapsible 2-piece design. Columns use shear pins to absorb collision impact. Steering shaft is connected directly to steering gear with flexible couplings on Cressida models.

Tercel and Pickup models use intermediate steering shafts. On 2WD Pickup models, intermediate shaft is connected to steering gear by a flexible coupling. On Land Cruiser, Tercel and 4-Runner models, intermediate shaft is connected to steering gear and to main steering shaft by universal joints.

Note. For models with tilt wheel steering columns, see STEERING COLUMN - TILT article.

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Remove steering wheel. On Cressida models, remove fuse box cover, lower instrument trim panel and heater duct (located under steering column).
2. On all models, remove upper and lower steering column covers. On all models, remove combination switch. On Land Cruiser, Tercel and 4-Runner, mark position of universal joints, and remove intermediate steering shaft.
3. On all other models, mark position of flexible coupling-to-steering gear and remove flexible coupling bolt. Remove floor pan cover bolts and column bracket bolts. Remove steering column toward inside of vehicle.

Exploded View of Cressida and Tercel Steering Columns. Scheme 4

Note. Remove steering column with intermediate shaft attached on 2WD Pickup models.

Installation

To install steering column, reverse removal procedures. Ensure "U" joint and flexible coupling alignment marks (made upon removal) are correctly aligned.

Disassembly

1. Remove bearing retainer and snap ring from upper end of column tube. On Tercel models, remove upper bracket from column tube. On all models, pull steering shaft out bottom of column tube.
2. On 2WD Pickups, mark main steering shaft-to-intermediate shaft position. Remove snap ring and separate intermediate shaft from steering shaft. Be careful not to lose bearing blocks (located on intermediate shaft).
3. On Cressida and 2WD Pickups, remove flexible coupling from steering shaft. On all models (except Tercel), remove upper bracket from column tube.
4. On Tercel models, remove dust cover, compress shaft toward floor pan cover and remove large snap ring.
5. Remove spring retainer, and again compress shaft to remove small snap ring. Remove bearing, spring retainer and spring. Remove floor pan cover from steering shaft.
6. On all other models, separate floor pan cover from column tube plate and be careful not to damage "O" ring (dust seal on Land Cruiser and 4-Runner models). On Cressida, remove bracket from column tube. Remove plate and seal from bottom of column tube.
7. On 2WD Pickup and Vans, remove plate spring, bearing retainers and bearing from bottom of column tube. On Land Cruiser and 4-Runner, remove bolt from column support tube clamp.
8. Remove column support tube from column tube. Remove snap ring and bearing from column support tube.

Scheme 5

1. Inspect all components for wear or damage. Check bearings for smooth operation. Check steering shafts for collision damage. Check steering lock mechanism (located in upper bracket) for proper operation. Replace components as necessary.
2. On 2WD Pickups, temporarily assemble main steering shaft to intermediate shaft and measure amount of radial play between shafts. Allowable limit is.0024" (.06 mm). Replace pin and bearing blocks, if necessary. NOTE: If replacing pin and bearing blocks, ensure new bearing blocks have the small anti-rattle rubber inserts installed before assembling intermediate shaft to main steering shaft. (Scheme 5): Exploded View of Land Cruiser & Pickup Steering Columns
3. On Land Cruiser, Tercel and 4-Runner, check "U" joints for excessive axial play. Maximum play is.002" (.05 mm). Replace "U" joint, if necessary.

Assembly

1. To reassemble steering columns, reverse disassembly procedures. Grease main steering shaft and all bearings.
2. Ensure marks made to flexible couplings and to "U" joints are aligned. Ensure steering column and shafts do not bind after installation.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• STEERING COLUMN - TILT