Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Repair Procedures
HINT:
This is the repair procedure for steering off center.
- INSPECT STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER
- Apply masking tape on the top center of the steering wheel and steering column upper cover.
- 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.
- Draw a line on the masking tape as shown in Fig 2 .
- Turn the steering wheel to its straight position.
HINT:
Refer to the upper surface of the STEERING WHEEL , steering spoke and SRS airbag line for the straight position.
- Draw a new line on the masking tape of the steering wheel as shown in the illustration.
- Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape of the steering wheel.
- Convert the measured distance to steering angle.
Measured distance 1 mm (0.04 in.) = Steering angle approximately 1 deg.
HINT:
Make a note of the steering angle.
- ADJUST STEERING ANGLE
- Draw a line on the RH and LH tie rod and rack ends where it can easily be seen.
- Using a paper gauge, measure the distance from RH and LH tie rod ends to the rack end screws.
HINT:
- Measure the RH side and LH side.
- Make a note of the measured values.
- Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots.
- Loosen the RH and LH lock nuts.
- Turn the RH and LH rack end by the same amount (but in different directions) according to the steering angle.
1 turn 360 deg. of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) = 12 deg. of steering angle
- Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts.
Torque: 74 N.m (750 kgf.cm, 54 ft.lbf)
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.