STEERING
5
FAULT DIAGNOSIS Symptom :-
Steering excessively light/sensitive. Excessive
freeplay at steering wheel.
1.Are steering box adjustments correct?
NO -
See Adjustment, Power Steering Box
WARNING: Adjustments of steering box
should not be required while in warranty
period. If box is within warranty, it must be
returned to manufacturer. No attempt must be
made to introduce backlash.
YES - Suspect worn panhard rod or radius arm
bushes Check condition of ball joints and
the lower steering column shaft universal
joints for wear.
See Repair, Lower
Steering Shaft and Universal Joints
Symptom :-
Steering vibration, road wheel shimmy - wobble.
Vibration through the steering linkage powerful
enough to induce high frequency oscillation of the
steering wheel, is generally caused by out of balance
road wheels. However there are a number of other
possible causes of this symptom which if severe, may
be described as shimmy or wobble. Regardless of the
terminology used by the owner/driver to describe the
symptoms, the following diagnostic checks should be
carried out in the order presented.
1.Check the tyres and balance of the road wheels.
See GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Wheels and Tyres See
WHEELS AND TYRES, Fault diagnosis, Fault
- Symptoms See WHEELS AND TYRES,
Repair, Wheel Balancing
2.Check the steering hydraulic damper function.
See Steering Damper
3.Check steering column universal joints for wear
and correct alignment.
See Repair, Lower
Steering Shaft and Universal Joints
4.Check steering linkage ball joints for wear,
correct alignment and security, including steering
box and tie rod.
See Steering Linkage Inspect
5.Check all front suspension rubbers for wear.
Check all fixing torques, including radius arm
bushes, panhard rod and anti-roll [sway] bar.
See FRONT SUSPENSION, Repair, Panhard
Rod See FRONT SUSPENSION, Repair,
Radius Arm See FRONT SUSPENSION,
Repair, Anti-Roll[Sway] Bar Assembly See
FRONT SUSPENSION, Repair, Front Shock
Absorber
6.Fit new radius arm bushes using NTC 6860. Fit
harmonic damper if vehicle has air suspension.
Fit new nuts, bolts and washers.
7. Coil spring vehicles only- If problem persists
fit damper kit STC 241 (2 off front) and STC
1474 (2 off rear). Road test vehicle.
8.Check the power steering box adjustments and
operation.
See Overhaul, Power Steering Box
9.Check the hub bearing end floats and determine
the condition of the hub bearings. As applicable.
See FRONT AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE, Repair,
Front Hub Assembly
10.Check the resistance and condition of the
swivels.
See FRONT AXLE AND FINAL
DRIVE, Description and operation,
Description
If problem is not diagnosed: Repeat
checks starting at 1.
11.Carry out a full steering geometry check.
See
INTRODUCTION, Information, Steering
57STEERING
8
FAULT DIAGNOSIS 4. DIRECTIONAL STABILITY
From 1. GENERAL STEERING:
1.Is directional stability concern when vehicle is
towing?
YES - Check towing/vehicle loading parameters
in Owner's Handbook.
NO - go to 3.
2.Is problem resolved?
YES - end
NO - continue.
3.Check condition of rear trailing link/chassis
bushes.
4.Is problem resolved?
YES - end
NO - continue.
5.Check condition of front and rear shock
absorbers. If in doubt change units in pairs, side
to side.
6.Is problem resolved?
YES - end
NO - continue.
7.Check steering damper.
See Steering Damper
8.Is problem resolved?
YES - end
NO - continue.
9.Check wheel balance
10.Is problem resolved?
YES - end
NO - contact local technical office.POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS
1.Is fluid level correct?
YES - go to 3.
NO - Refill or drain to correct level. Bleed
system, check for leaks.
See Repair,
Power Steering System - Bleed
2.Is problem resolved?
YES - end
NO - continue.
3.Are hoses or joints leaking? Check on full lock
with engine at 2000 rev/min.
YES - loosen and retorque joints.
NO - go to 6.
4.Does leak remain?
YES - change PAS pipe.
NO - end.
5.Does leak remain?
YES - suspect seal in component. Check and
replace as necessary.
NO - end.
6.Is oil escaping from filler cap?
YES - bleed system.
See Repair, Power
Steering System - Bleed
NO - go to 8.
7.Is oil still escaping from filler cap?
YES - go back to 1.
NO - end.
8.Is oil leaking from PAS pump?
YES - go to 10.
NO - continue.
9.Is oil leaking from PAS box?
YES - go to 10.
NO - end.
10.Clean unit, add tracer dye to system. Retest
11.Is oil still leaking?
YES - establish leak point. Repair or replace
unit as necessary.
NO - end.
57STEERING
10
FAULT DIAGNOSIS VISUAL AND SAFETY CHECKS
WARNING: Before taking vehicle out on
the public highway for road test, it is
important that the following basic visual
checks are carried out to ensure that the vehicle
complies with legal requirements.
Tyres and wheel rims
1.Check and adjust tyre pressures.
See
GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Tyre Pressures
Note that this information refers to standard tyres
fitted as original equipment.
2.Check condition of tyres. Inspect for signs of
uneven wear, damage and feathering. Check
tread depth.
3.Ensure that the tyre make, type and general
condition are common across each axle.
4.Check wheel rims for signs of damage and
excessive run out.
5.Carry out road test.
See Road Test Procedure
ROAD TEST PROCEDURE
General steering/handling problems can usually be
classified into one of the categories listed and ARE
GENERALLY RELATED TO THE AGE, CONDITION
AND USE OF THE VEHICLE.
WARNING: Ensure that all road tests are
conducted by suitably qualified drivers in
a safe and legal manner, and where local
traffic conditions allow.
1.Carry out visual and safety checks.
See Visual
and Safety Checks
Confirm general nature of complaint with customer,
simulating where possible the conditions under which
the problem occurs. Carry out following road test
procedure to establish the problem.2.Steering load assessment - drive at 16 km/h (10
mph). Put 90°turn input into steering wheel,
check self centering. The self centering should
be equal on each lock BUT not necessarily
return to exactly straight ahead without
assistance from the driver.
3.Steering assessment - drive at 64 km/h (40 mph)
on a staight FLAT road (no camber), check for
steering veer. The vehicle should follow a
straight path with NO tendency to follow a
curved path. If vehicle veers towards the kerb,
vehicle may be 'camber sensitive'. A small
amount of veer in direction of camber is
acceptable.
4.Directional stability assessment - drive at 112
km/h (70 mph) or maximum legal speed on a
straight flat road. Carry out a normal lane
change. Vehicle should quickly settle into a new
straight path.
5.Braking assessment (medium effort) - drive at 96
km/h (60 mph) on a straight flat road. Apply
steady medium braking effort, noting any
tendency to veer. Carry out brake test three
times, if a veer is consistently noted carry out a
braking efficiency test on a rolling road.
6.Braking assessment (full effort) - drive at 96
km/h (60 mph) on a straight flat road. Apply full
braking effort, noting any tendency to veer. Carry
out brake test three times, if a veer is
consistently noted carry out a braking efficiency
test on a rolling road.
If the symptom described by the customer is stiff
steering or steering niggle, carry out stiff steering
procedure.
See Stiff Steering Checklist
If not proceed with basic checks and adjustments.
See Visual Check and Basic Adjustments
STEERING
11
FAULT DIAGNOSIS STIFF STEERING CHECKLIST
NOTE: Having completed visual checks
and steering assessment and confirmed
that vehicle steering load is incorrect carry
out the following procedure in order shown.
Steering wheel 'torque to turn' loads
1.Raise vehicle so both front wheels free.
2.With engine off, centralise steering wheel, and
remove air bag, if fitted or steering wheel pad.
Using torque wrench on column nut, check
torque required to turn the steering wheel one
turn in each direction.
3.Record readings obtained in each direction.
Compare figures obtained with the specified
figures:
Without ABS
4.40 Nm.
With ABS4.65 Nm.
NOTE: If figures are in excess of those
specified carry out steering box tie bar
reset below. If figures are as specified.
See Visual Check and Basic Adjustments
Steering box tie bar reset
1.Loosen the three tie bar fixings one complete
turn.
2.Drive vehicle carefully a short distance (within
the dealership) applying full lock in both
directions in order to settle steering components.
Drive vehicle over speed bumps and include
harsh braking if possible.
WARNING: Do not drive on public
highway.
3.Near end of 2. ensure vehicle is driven in a
straight line on level ground and halted.
4.Tighten panhard rod mounting arm nut,
110 Nm.
5.Tighten the two fixings tie bar to steering box,81
Nm.
6.Recheck steering wheel torque to turn. If torque
reading is still greater than specified, carry out
steering shaft universal joint lubrication.Lower steering shaft universal joint lubrication
1.Check lower steering shaft is correctly phased.
See Repair, Lower Steering Shaft and
Universal Joints
2.Lubricate universal joints with an anti-seizure
type penetrating spray. Work the joints to ensure
full penetration of the spray by driving vehicle
and steering from lock to lock.
3.If steering stiffness still persists carry out swivel
pin preload setting.
Swivel pin preload setting
The swivel pin preload setting must be checked and
set following the workshop manual procedure.
1.NON ABS vehicles.
See FRONT AXLE AND
FINAL DRIVE, Overhaul, Front Stub Axle,
Constant Velocity Joint and Swivel Pin
Housing Non ABS
Note that a pull load of 1.16 - 1.46 kg is required
after the axle shaft and swivel housing seal have
been removed.
2.ABS vehicles.
See FRONT AXLE AND FINAL
DRIVE, Overhaul, Front Stub Axle, Constant
Velocity Joint and Swivel Pin Housing ABS
Note that a torque to turn of 2.0 - 2.8 Nm is
required after the axle shaft and swivel housing
seal have been removed.
3.If steering stiffness still persists carry out
steering column alignment.
57STEERING
12
FAULT DIAGNOSIS Steering column alignment
1.Place vehicle on level ground. Measure the
angle of lower steering shaft using a Pernumeter
placed on the shaft between the universal joints.
The angle should measure a minimum of 12Ê.
2.If necessary, realign the shaft. Release the five
fixings securing the steering column. Position
column as required. Tighten the fixings evenly,
27 Nm.
3.Loosen the three screws securing lower steering
column shroud to upper shroud ensure lower
shroud is clipped to upper shroud. Reposition
shroud, tighten screws.
4.Recheck steering column angle.
Steering box adjustment
1.Check steering box adjustment.
See
Adjustment, Power Steering Box
Steering damper check
1.Check condition of steering damper
See
Steering Damper
VISUAL CHECK AND BASIC ADJUSTMENTS
NOTE: It is important that the following
instructions are carried out in the
sequence shown and the results recorded.
1.Road springs - check that road springs are
correctly seated and are to correct specification
for vehicle. For spring specification.
See
GENERAL SPECIFICATION DATA,
Information, Road Springs Data
2.Ride height - measure trim height from wheel
centre to wheelarch eyebrow. Record results on
data sheet.
3.Check/top up power steering fluid
See Repair,
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
4.Check tension and condition of drive belt.See
ENGINE, Repair, Drive Belt
5.Track rod/drag link - check condition of track rod,
drag link and ball joints.
See Repair, Drag Link
and Drag Link Ends
If either component is damaged, check operation
of steering damper and steering box for
smoothness. Replace all damaged or worn
components that impair the operation of the
steering system.
6.Suspension bushes - examine all steering and
suspension bushes for signs of wear and
deterioration. Also check all fixings for torque
relaxation. Tighten to correct torque value.
See
FRONT SUSPENSION, Specifications, torque,
Torque Values
7.Oil leaks - check front and rear axle hubs for
leak and repair as necessary.
8.Brake system - check brake system for leaks,
pipe condition, pad wear/contamination, disc
wear/condition and ABS sensors for correct
fitting.
9.Hub end float - check movement in the hubs by
rocking the wheels.
10.Check front wheel alignment. Vehicles displaying
a tendency to veer more than considered
allowable, it is permissible to set the front track
to parallel.
11.Having completed all the above checks and
adjustments, road test vehicle.
See Road Test
Procedure
Attempting to reproduce the symptoms
established earlier. If symptoms still exist refer to
relevant Diagnostic Chart.
STEERING
1
ADJUSTMENT POWER STEERING BOX
Service repair no - 57.10.13
WARNING: Adjustments of steering box
should not be required while in warranty
period. If box is stiff or tight and within
warranty, it must be returned to manufacturer. No
attempt must be made to introduce backlash.
1.Apply park brake, select 'P' in automatic
transmission and chock wheels. Support chassis
front on axle stands.
2.Remove engine undertray.
3.Disconnect drag link from steering drop arm.
4.Check torque to turn.
See Fault diagnosis,
Stiff Steering Checklist
5.Centralise steering box.See Centralise
Steering Box
NOTE: Only check for no backlash when
steering box is in central position.
NOTE: If steering wheel is not straight, it
should be repositioned.
See Repair,
Steering Wheel
The adjustment of the steering box ensures
any preload or end float present on centre is
removed.
6.The adjustment is obtained by rocking the drop
arm about centre whilst an assistant slowly
tightens the steering box adjuster screw.
7.Tighten the locknut when all backlash has been
removed.
8.Repeat the check for backlash. If backlash exists
loosen locknut and repeat adjustment
procedure.
9.Turn steering wheel lock to lock and check no
tightness exists.
10.Ensure front wheels are aligned and in straight
ahead position.
See Front Wheel Alignment
11.Adjust drag link 924 mm between ball joint
centres.
12.Connect drag link. Tighten to
40 Nm.
13.Lower vehicle to ground level and remove
chocks.
14.Road test vehicle.
See Fault diagnosis, Road
Test Procedure
NOTE: If steering wheel is not in straight
ahead position when vehicle is travelling
in a straight line, drag link length is
incorrect and is pushing drop arm away from
central position.
Drag link adjust
15.Right hand drive vehicles - if steering wheel is to
right, drag link is too long. If steering wheel is to
left drag link is too short.
Left hand drive vehicles - if steering wheel is to
right, drag link is too short. If steering wheel is to
left drag link is too long.
16.Adjust drag link until steering wheel points
straight ahead when vehicle is travelling in a
straight line.
CENTRALISE STEERING BOX
1.To centralise the box, insert a suitable peg (hole
size 8.06 mm) into the rear of the drop arm and
into the steering box casing to enable rapid and
accurate setting on centre.
57STEERING
2
ADJUSTMENT STEERING LOCK STOPS
Service repair no - 57.65.03
Check
1.Measure clearance between tyre wall and radius
arm at full lock. This must be 20 mm.
Adjust
2.Loosen stop bolt locknut.
3.Turn stop bolt as required.
4.Tighten locknut.
5.Check clearance between tyre wall and radius
arm on each lock.
NOTE: Alternatively lock stop adjustment
may be carried out using following
procedure.
Check
1.Measure stop bolt protrusion as shown in
RR1697M. This must be 40.5 mm.
Adjust
2.Loosen stop bolt locknut.
3.Turn stop bolt as required.
4.Tighten locknut.
5.Check wheel position at full lock.
STEERING
3
ADJUSTMENT FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Service repair no - 57.65.01
Checking Toe-out dimensions
NOTE: No Adjustment is provided for
castor, camber or swivel pin inclinations.
1.Set vehicle on level ground with road wheels
positioned straight ahead.
2.Push vehicle back and forwards to settle linkage.
3.Measure toe-out at horizontal centre-line of
wheels.
4.Check tightness of clamp bolt fixings. Tighten to
14 Nm.
Adjust
5.Loosen adjuster sleeve clamp.
6.Rotate adjuster to lengthen or shorten track rod.
7.Check toe-out setting as instructions 1 to 4.
When toe-out is correct, tap steering linkage ball
joint, in directions of arrows shown, to maximum
of their travel. This ensures full unrestricted
working travel.
8.Tighten clamp bolts to
14 Nm.
POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT
Service repair no - 57.20.01
Adjust
NOTE: For details of drive belt adjust
procedure
See ENGINE, Repair, Drive
Belt