TIAGO

STEERING 6 2. MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION AND TEST 2.1 PRELIMINARY INSPECTION A. INSPECTION OF TYRE Tyre wear pattern are a good indicators of the condition of the steering and suspension system. Hence the tyre wear pattern should be observed carefully for wear patterns that indicate wrong or lost wheel alignment. For detailed interpretation of Wear pattern refer Wheels and Tyres Section. B. STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY Check steering wheel play. (Refer steering wheel alignment in regular maintenance) C. TEST DRIVE During test drive pay close attention to any steering ball joint sounds and steering column vertical, lateral and axial slackness, usually observed in rough patched of road. At speeds above 40 km-ph on an even road if the steering wheel vibrates (wobbles), it might be mainly due to out of balance wheel D. ROAD TEST Before releasing the vehicle, take it for road tests. E. ACTIVE RETURN FEATURE / STEERING RETURN ABILITY Active Return / Steering return ability is the feature provided in which the steering wheel returns back to its straight-ahead position when wheel is released by driver after taking a turn. This is achieved by providing a calibrated return torque through the system; Further, System also provides self-centering action giving driver confidence and stability at higher speeds. Active return-ability will activate only after ignition on and Engine on condition Check the following: 1. SELF-CENTERING TEST (WITHOUT LOAD) Drive the vehicle in second gear at about 10-15 Kmph along a circle of 10 meter radius and leave the steering wheel. The vehicle should come back to straight ahead condition freely. Conduct tests for both left and right turns. 2. STEERING EFFORT TEST Check the steering effort while negotiating a sharp turn of about 10m radius at low speeds of 10-15 km/hr. Check that steering effort is satisfactory. 3. ROAD HOLDING ABILITY TEST a. Drive the vehicle on level road at 40 km/hr with steering wheel left free. Check whether there is any tendency of vehicle to pull to either left or right. b. Check for unusual vibration or wobbling of the wheel. c. Check for absence of road shocks on steering wheel. 4. TURNING CIRCLE TEST With wheel turned to lock, drive at 5-10 km/hr. Check whether the required turning circle is achieved. Repeat for both left and right turns. Ensure that for all steering Tests the required road safety precautions are followed. In case performance is not satisfactory during road tests. Trace and rectify the defects.