STEERING
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 57-5
Description
General
The major steering components comprise an impact absorbing telescopic steering column, a Power Assisted Steering
(PAS) box, a PAS pump, and fluid reservoir. Hydraulic fluid from the fluid reservoir is filtered and then supplied
through the suction line to the inlet on the PAS pump. The PAS pump supplies fluid to the steering box through a
pressure line routed above the front cross member. Fluid returns to the reservoir along the same route through a
return line. On LH drive vehicles the pipe route above the front cross member is still used, the length of pipe acting
as an oil cooler.
To minimise driver's injury in the event of an accident the steering system has a number of safety features including
a collapsible steering column. An additional safety feature is an air bag located in the steering wheel.
+ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - SRS.
Steering column assembly and intermediate shaft
The steering column central shaft comprises of two shafts, the upper shaft is splined to accept the steering wheel and
located in bearings in the column tube. A universal joint is located on the bottom of the upper shaft, the joint allows
for angular movement between the upper and lower shafts. The lower shaft is made in two parts, the top section of
the lower shaft is located outside of the lower section. The two sections of the lower shaft are connected by two nylon
injection moulded shear pins. The lower shaft goes through a lower bearing attached to the bulkhead, the lower shaft
is connected by a universal joint to the intermediate shaft in the engine compartment.
Steering column
An upper column tube provides for the location of the steering lock and ignition switch and also the steering switch
gear and a rotary coupler. The rotary coupler provides the electrical connection for the steering wheel mounted airbag,
switches and horn. The upper mounting bracket has two slots, a slotted metal bracket is held in each slot by four resin
shear pins.
The column is mounted on four captive studs which are located on a column mounting bracket. The captive studs
pass through the metal brackets, locknuts secure the steering column to the bulkhead. The two lower mountings are
fixed and cannot move when loads are applied to them. The upper mounting is designed to disengage or deform when
a load is applied, allowing the column to collapse in the event of an accident. The steering column must be replaced
as a complete assembly if necessary.
When an axial load is applied to the upper column tube, energy absorption is achieved by the following mechanism:
lthe mounting bracket deforms,
lthe resin shear pins holding the slotted metal brackets shear,
lthe top mounting bracket slides out of the slotted metal brackets.
The slotted metal brackets remain on the captive studs on the bulkhead. If the column mounting moves, injection
moulded shear pins retaining the two sections of the lower column shaft will shear. This allows the two sections of the
lower shaft to 'telescope' together.
In the event of a collision where the steering box itself moves, two universal joints in the column allow the intermediate
shaft to articulate, minimising movement of the column towards the driver. If movement continues energy absorption
is achieved by the following mechanism:
lthe decouple joint in the intermediate shaft will disengage,
lthe lower section of the steering column shaft will move through the lower bearing,
lthe injection moulded shear pins retaining the two sections of the lower column shaft will shear.
This allows the two sections of the lower shaft to 'telescope' together reducing further column intrusion. Protection to
the drivers face and upper torso is provided by an SRS airbag module located in the centre of the steering wheel.
+ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION, Description - SRS.
STEERING
57-6 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Tilt adjustment
The column tilt adjuster lever mechanism is located on the LH side of the steering column and allows the upper column
tube, nacelle and steering wheel assemblies to be tilted up or down a maximum of 7.5
° or 47 mm (NAS vehicles have
a smaller range of movement than the ROW vehicles).
The pawl of the mechanism is attached to the lower column and is allowed to pivot, a toothed quadrant is fixed to the
upper column tube.
When the lever on the LH side of the steering column is raised the mechanism releases the pawl from the toothed
quadrant, this allows the column to be moved. When the lever is released two return springs pull the pawl into
engagement with the toothed quadrant.
Steering column lock (All except NAS)
The steering column lock houses the ignition switch, ignition illumination light ring, key lock barrel and the alarm
passive coil. The steering lock is attached to the upper column with two shear bolts. The bolts are tightened to a
torque which shears off the heads of the bolts preventing easy removal of the steering lock.
The steering lock operates by a bolt, which emerges when the ignition key is turned to position 'O' and the ignition key
removed. The bolt engages in a lock collar located on the upper shaft in the upper column tube. The lock collar is
attached to the upper shaft by a 'wave form' interference ring. If a high torque is applied via the steering wheel with
the lock engaged, the lock collar will slip on the upper shaft. This prevents damage to the steering lock, yet still
prevents the vehicle from being driven.
Steering column lock (NAS only)
The steering column lock houses the ignition switch, ignition illumination light ring, key lock barrel and the alarm
passive coil. The steering lock is attached to the upper column with two shear bolts. The bolts are tightened to a
torque which shears off the heads of the bolts preventing easy removal of the steering lock.
The steering column lock operates by a bolt, which emerges when the ignition key is turned to position 'O' and the
ignition key removed. The bolt engages in a groove machined into the upper shaft in the column tube.
Steering wheel
The steering wheel comprises a cast centre and wire frame onto which the soft polyurethane foam is moulded. The
steering wheel is located on the upper column shaft by a spline and is secured with a nut. A remote radio control switch
(if fitted) is located on the LH side of the steering wheel, a cruise control switch may be located on the RH side. Horn
switches are located on each side of the centre of the steering wheel and protrude through the airbag module cover.
Both switches are connected by wires to the rotary coupler connector.
Intermediate shaft
One end of the intermediate shaft is attached to the steering column lower shaft by a splined universal joint and a bolt,
the universal joint is part of a rubber coupling assembly. The rubber coupling assembly is covered by a heat shield
and connects to the lower section of the intermediate shaft via a decouple joint. The rubber coupling reduces the
shocks felt by the driver through the steering wheel. A second universal joint on the other end of the intermediate shaft
is held in by a bolt. The universal joint is splined and engages with the splined rotor (input) shaft of the steering box.
The decouple joint consists of a metal plate that has open ended slots, the plate is bolted through the slots into the
other half of the decouple joint. The top half of the decouple joint has a slot that accepts the lower section of the
intermediate shaft. The slotted metal plate clamps the lower section of the intermediate shaft to the top section. An
indicator clip is installed between the slotted metal plate and the top half of the decouple joint.
If the intermediate shaft is compressed in an accident, the slotted metal plate in the decouple joint will disengage if
sufficient force is applied to the front end of the shaft. If the forces involved do not disengage the shaft, the red
indicator clip located in the decouple joint will break off if the shaft moves. The intermediate shaft cannot be repaired
and must be replaced as an assembly if accident damage occurs.
STEERING
57-8 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Steering box
The steering box is located behind the first cross member of the chassis and is secured to the chassis rail with four
bolts. The steering box is of the worm and roller type and has a rotary control valve. The steering box is connected to
the steering knuckles of the front road wheels by the drop arm, drag link and track rod. The steering box is lubricated
by the hydraulic fluid in the housing. The input shaft is attached to the steering wheel via the intermediate shaft and
steering column. The drop arm is secured to the output shaft with a nut and tab washer. A ball joint allows movement
between drop arm and drag link, the ball joint is secured with a locknut. The steering box requries approximately 3.5
turns from lock to lock.
As a maintenance aid, an alignment bolt can be used to lock the drop arm at the steering box centre position. The bolt
fits in a groove in the rear face of the drop arm and screws in to a threaded hole on the bottom of the steering box
housing.
Cross section through steering box
1Relief valve stop 2 off
2Relief valve 2 off
3Piston
4Rack
5Housing
6Output shaft
7Roller
8Valve rotor9Torsion bar
10Input shaft
11Pin
12Valve sleeve
13Course spline
14Worm gear
15Spline (worm gear to torsion bar)
STEERING
57-12 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
PAS pump - V8
1Bolt 2 off
2Nut
3Stud
4Auxiliary housing
5PAS pump6Outlet
7Inlet
8Bolt 3 off
9Drive pulley
The PAS pump is located on the auxiliary housing and is attached by two bolts, the bolts go through flanged bushes
in the auxiliary housing. A stud passes through the PAS pump and through a flanged bush in the auxiliary housing,
the auxiliary housing and PAS pump are secured by a nut. As the two bolts and nut are tightened the bushes move
slightly and the flange of each bush clamps the PAS pump. A drive pulley is attached to the pump drive shaft with
three bolts, and is belt driven at a ratio of 1.4 crankshaft revolutions to 1 of the drive pulley. Fluid is drawn into the
PAS pump inlet from the reservoir through a flexible hose at low (suction) pressure. Fluid at high pressure from the
PAS pump outlet is supplied to the rotary control valve on the steering box.
STEERING
57-14 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
The PAS pump is located on the auxiliary housing, two bolts go through the PAS pump, mounting bracket and into
the auxiliary housing. One bolt also attaches the mounting bracket to the PAS pump, two bolts secure the mounting
bracket to the auxiliary housing. An inlet adaptor pipe with a seal is secured to the bottom of the pump with two bolts.
A drive pulley is attached to the pump drive shaft with three bolts, and is belt driven at a ratio of 1.35 crankshaft
revolutions to 1 of the drive pulley. A coupling on the rear of the PAS pump rotates the water pump impeller located
in the auxiliary housing. Fluid is supplied to the PAS pump inlet from the reservoir through a flexible hose at low
(suction) pressure. Fluid at high pressure from the PAS pump outlet is supplied to the rotary control valve on the
steering box.
The PAS pump is a roller vane type and has an internal pressure regulator and flow control valve. The roller vanes
can move in slots in the pumps rotor and are moved outwards by centrifugal force as the pump rotates. The pump
rotor rotates in the pump housing, the internal shape of the housing forms a 'cam' shape. Due to the 'cam' shape the
volume of the housing decreases between the inlet and outlet ports.
As the pump rotor rotates towards the pump inlet the volume between the roller vanes and the pump housing
increases, this action causes a depression in the chamber between the pump roller vanes and the housing. As the
rotation continues the chamber is opened to the pump inlet, and the depression in the chamber causes fluid to be
drawn in. The roller vanes continue past the inlet port, closing off the inlet port and trapping the fluid in the chamber
between the rollers and the pump housing.
The internal 'cam' shape of the pump housing causes the rollers to move closer together as the pump rotor rotates
towards the outlet port. The reduced volume of the chamber between the roller vanes causes the fluid to become
pressurised. When the chamber is opened to the outlet port of the pump the fluid escapes at high pressure. The roller
vanes continue turning and go past the outlet port, closing off the chamber between the two roller vanes.
As rotation continues the inlet sequence begins again. The inlet and pressurisation/outlet sequences continue as the
pump rotates, and is repeated between each two roller vanes. The pump is a positive displacement type and the
potential pump output increases with engine (drive pulley) speed. The pressure relief and flow control valve regulates
flow/pressure by diverting fluid back to the pump inlet through internal recirculation passages in the pump body.
Steering damper
The steering damper is located behind and just below the first cross member of the chassis. The ends of the steering
damper have steel 'eyes' welded on, rubber bushes are installed in each 'eye'. The steering damper is attached
between brackets on the chassis rail and the drag link. Each end of the steering damper is secured by a bolt and
locknut. The hydraulic damper absorbs shocks in the steering, caused by road wheel deflections when operating on
rough terrain.
STEERING
ADJUSTMENTS 57-17
ADJUST ME NTS
Steering box - check and adjust
$% 57.10.13
Check
1.Raise front of vehicle.
WARNING: Do not work on or under a
vehicle supported only by a jack. Always
support the vehicle on safety stands.
2.Remove nut securing drag link to drop arm.
3.Using LRT-57-036, break taper joint and
release drag link.
4.Ensure steering is centralised.
5.With the drop arm held, check for rotational
movement at the intermediate shaft universal
joint. If any movement exists, the steering box
requires adjusting.Adjust
1.Loosen lock nut on steering box adjuster and
tighten adjuster until movement is removed at
universal joint.
CAUTION: Ensure that steering box is
centralised before adjustment. Never over
adjust, free play should just be eliminated.
2.When adjustment is correct, hold the adjuster
and tighten adjuster locknut.
3.Turn steering wheel from lock to lock and check
no tightness exists.
4.Fit drag link to drop arm, and tighten nut to 80
Nm (59 lbf.ft).
5.Remove stands and lower vehicle.
STEERING
57-18 ADJUSTMENTS
Hydraulic system - bleed
$% 57.15.02
Bleed
1.Clean PAS fluid reservoir around filler cap and
fluid level indicators.
2.Remove filler cap from PAS fluid reservoir. If
necessary, fill PAS fluid reservoir to upper level
indicator with recommended fluid.
+ CAPACITIES, FLUIDS AND
LUBRICANTS, Fluids.
CAUTION: Ensure no dirt is allowed to enter
the steering reservoir when the cap is
removed.
3.Start engine and run to normal operating
temperature.
4.Position container to catch fluid spillage from
steering box.
5.With engine at idle speed, and an assistant
turning the steering from lock to lock, loosen
bleed screw on top of steering box. Keep PAS
fluid reservoir topped up and allow all air to
bleed from system. When fluid from bleed
screw is free of air, tighten bleed screw.
CAUTION: Do not hold steering at full lock
for longer than 10 seconds.
6.Stop engine.
7.Clean spilled PAS fluid from steering box and
surrounding area.
CAUTION: Power steering fluid will damage
paint finished surfaces. If spilled,
immediately remove fluid and clean area
with water.
8.Check fluid level in PAS fluid reservoir and fill to
upper level mark. If fluid is aerated, wait until
fluid is free from bubbles.
9.Fit PAS fluid reservoir filler cap.
Steering linkage - centralise
$% 57.35.05
The following procedure assumes that the front
wheel alignment is correctly adjusted.
Adjust
1.Raise front of vehicle, and position the road
wheels at straight ahead.
WARNING: Do not work on or under a
vehicle supported only by a jack. Always
support the vehicle on safety stands.
2.Remove nut securing drag link to drop arm.
Using tool LRT-57-036 break taper joint and
release drag link from drop arm.
3.Fit centralising bolt to steering box and ensure
that front road wheels are in the straight ahead
position.
4.Loosen clamp bolts on drag link.
STEERING
57-22 ADJUSTMENTS
38.Fit new seal, connect PAS cooler pipe and
tighten union nut to 24 Nm (18 lbf ft).
39. LHD only: Fit turbocharger intercooler feed
pipe and vacuum connection. Fit new seal to air
cleaner. Connect air intake hose and secure
clips. Connect multiplug to MAF sensor.
40.Clean chassis and surrounding area.
41.Fit underbelly panel.
+ EXTERIOR FITTINGS, REPAIRS,
Panel - underbelly.
42.Remove adaptor and hose set from tool LRT-
57-041.
43.Check PAS fluid level.
44.Connect battery earth lead.
Power steering pressure check - V8 LHD
models
$% 57.90.10.01
Check
1.Disconnect battery earth lead.
2.Syphon PAS fluid from reservoir.
3.Raise front of vehicle and support on stands.
4.Turn steering on LH lock.
5.Remove 3 screws securing LH splash shield
and remove shield.
6.Release clip securing PAS pipes.
7.Position absorbent cloth to catch spillage.
8.Position container to collect PAS fluid spillage.