B-MAX 2012 – Steering System – General Information – Steering Gear Checks After a Collision – Diagnosis and Testing

Items to be observed when checking the steering system

The following list of steering gear conditions and the methods of testing should be taken into account when carrying out checks to the steering system:

• If the steering gear has no faults after completing the following checks, do not install a new steering gear.
• Surface corrosion and marks on the tie-rod are acceptable.
• When checking for turning effort torque peaks in the steering gear, start the engine and turn the steering wheel from steering lock stop to steering lock stop in approximately 15 seconds.
• A steady increase of turning effort torque from steering center to steering lock stop is acceptable.
• Noises from the power steering, for example the power steering E-PAS motor or E-PAS gear, are acceptable. If in doubt, compare the noise level to a known good vehicle of similar specification.

STEERING GEAR HOUSING

• Raise and support the vehicle.
  REFER to: Jacking and Lifting (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
  
• Visually inspect the steering gear housing for cracks and damage. If the steering gear housing is cracked or damaged, install a new steering gear.
  REFER to: Steering Gear (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).
  

TIE-RODS

• Using a straight edge and feeler gauge, check the tie-rods to see if they are straight. If the distance between the tie-rod and straight edge is greater than 0.5 mm, install a new steering gear.
  REFER to: Steering Gear (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).
  
• Check the tightening torque of the tie-rod end to wheel knuckle nut.
  REFER to: Tie Rod End (211-03 Steering Linkage, Removal and Installation).
  
• Check the tightening torque of the tie-rod end locking nut.
  REFER to: Tie Rod End (211-03 Steering Linkage, Removal and Installation).
  

CHECK THE STEERING GEAR BOOTS

• Raise and support the vehicle.
  REFER to: Jacking and Lifting (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
  
• Visually inspect the steering gear boot(s) for splits, damage and correct fitment. If the steering gear boot(s) is split, damaged or incorrectly fitted, install a new steering gear boot(s) as necessary.
  REFER to: Steering Gear Boot (211-03 Steering Linkage, Removal and Installation).
  

CHECK FOR TURNING EFFORT TORQUE PEAKS IN THE STEERING GEAR

• Lower and support the vehicle making sure that the road wheels are just clear of the floor.
• With the ignition switch in position I (engine off), slowly turn the steering wheel from steering lock stop to steering lock stop.
• Only continue to the step 4, if a turning effort torque peak or judder is felt while turning the steering wheel.
• Detach the tie-rods from the wheel knuckles. Slowly turn the steering wheel from steering lock stop to steering lock stop.
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  If no torque peak or judder can be felt now, investigate the front suspension for damage.
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  If a turning effort torque peak or judder is felt while turning the steering wheel, install a new steering gear.
  REFER to: Steering Gear (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).