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HOMESERVICE MANUALSTOYOTA2004MATRIX XR, FWD, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 913 (STEERING COLUMN)STEERINGREPAIR
2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, Standard

Section 913 (Steering Column): Steering: Repair

2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, StandardSECTION Repair
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. STEERING OFF CENTER REPAIR PROCEDURE 
    1. Inspect steering wheel off center.
      1. Apply masking tape on the top center of the steering wheel and steering column upper cover.
        Fig 1: Applying Masking Tape On Top Center Of Steering Wheel & Steering Column Upper Cover
        G03552785Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. Drive the vehicle in a straight line for 100 meters at a constant speed of 35 mph (56 km/h), and hold the steering wheel to maintain the course.
      3. Draw a line on the masking tape as shown in Fig 2 .
        Fig 2: Drawing Line On Masking Tape
        G03552786Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      4. Turn the steering wheel to the center position.

        HINT:

        Look at the upper surface of the steering wheel, steering spoke and SRS airbag line to find the center position.

      5. Draw a new line on the masking tape on the steering wheel as shown in Fig 3 .
        Fig 3: Drawing Line On Masking Tape On Steering Wheel
        G03552787Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      6. Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape on the steering wheel.
      7. Convert the measured distance to steering angle.

        Measured distance 1 mm (0.04 in.) = Steering angle of approximately 1 degree. 

        HINT:

        Make a note of the steering angle.

    2. Adjust steering angle.
      1. Draw a line on the RH and LH tie rod ends and rack ends respectively where it can be easily seen.
        Fig 4: Drawing Line On RH & LH Tie Rod Ends & Rack Ends
        G03552788Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. Using a paper gauge, measure the distance from the RH and LH tie rod ends to the rack end screws.

        HINT:

        • Measure both the RH and LH sides.
        • Make a note of the measured values.
      3. Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots.
        Fig 5: Removing RH & LH Boot Clips From Rack Boots
        G03552789Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      4. Loosen the RH and LH lock nuts.
      5. Turn the RH and LH rack ends by the same amount (but in different directions) according to the steering angle.

        One 360 degree turn of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) equals to 12 degrees of steering angle. 

      6. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts by the specified torque.

        Torque: 74 N.m (750 kgf.cm, 54 ft.lbf) 

        NOTE: Make sure that the difference in length between the RH and LH tie rod ends and rack end screws are within 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) 
      7. Install the RH and LH boot clips.
      8. Perform steering angle sensor zero point calibration (See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE TABLE ).
RENDER: 1.0x

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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

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  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.