Group:
Bulletin No.:
Issue Date:

TECHNICAL

45-Steering
SB-15-011
02-04-2015

SERVICE BULLETIN

2012MY-15MY COE Steering Gear Adjustment Procedure
OVERVIEW
The following TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) outlines the inspection method for steering wheel free play and the
adjustment procedure of the steering gear.
NOTE: This procedure is provided as technical information and is not an authorization for a warranty repair.
SUBJECT VEHICLES
2012MY – 2015MY Hino COE (Cab Over Engine) trucks that were assembled at the Hamura, Japan assembly
plant
BEFORE YOU BEGIN:
- Read and understand all instructions and procedures before you begin the work.
- Read and follow all WARNINGS and NOTICES set forth in this publication. These alerts help to avoid damage
to components, serious personal injury, or both.
- Park the vehicle on a flat, level and solid surface.
- Place the gear shift lever in "Neutral" or "Park".
- Apply the parking brake firmly and confirm parking brake activation.
- Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch.
- Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.
Place wheel chocks in front of and behind all the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.

VEHICLE PREPARATION:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.

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Vendor Ref.: HMM-150115-J1

Group:
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TECHNICAL

45-Steering
SB-15-011
02-04-2015

SERVICE BULLETIN

2. Confirm the engine is stopped, the
ignition switch in the off (LOCK) position
and the key is removed.

3. Apply the parking brake.

4. Chock all of the wheels.

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Group:
Bulletin No.:
Issue Date:

TECHNICAL

45-Steering
SB-15-011
02-04-2015

SERVICE BULLETIN

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Use a jack to raise the front axle off of the ground. Securely support the front end of the
vehicle using jack stands under the frame rails and inspect for any loose or worn front end
components. If any loose or worn front end components are found, these will need to be
repaired or replaced prior to performing the inspection and adjustment procedure on the
steering gear, below. If no loose or worn front end components are found, remove the jack
stands and lower the front of the vehicle onto the ground. Proceed to step 2, below.

WARNING: NEVER lie underneath the vehicle if it is not securely supported by jack stands.

2. Securely attach a long zip tie around the
grab handle so that the zip tie extends very
close to the steering wheel. The zip tie is going
to be used as a pointer towards the steering
wheel. Trim the loose end as shown in the
photograph on the right.
Zip Tie
NOTICE: The vehicle must be parked on flat,
solid level ground with the engine off and
steering wheel centered.

3. Securely attach a ruler to the steering
wheel using 2 zip ties. The ruler should be
positioned perpendicular to the loose end of
the zip tie (used as a pointer) which is
attached to the grab handle.

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Zip Tie
(Pointer)

Zip Ties

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Group:
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Issue Date:

TECHNICAL

45-Steering
SB-15-011
02-04-2015

SERVICE BULLETIN

4. Using one finger while exerting light pressure, rotate the steering wheel counter-clockwise
until the steering wheel stops turning and light resistance is felt. The steering linkage and tires
should not be moving during this inspection. Identify the location of the zip tie (used as a
pointer) in reference to the ruler and record this measurement as M1 (Measurement 1).

M1
(140mm)

5. Using one finger while exerting light pressure, rotate the steering wheel clockwise until the
steering wheel stops turning and light resistance is felt. The steering linkage and tires should
not be moving during this inspection. Identify the location of the zip tie (used as a pointer) in
reference to the ruler and record this measurement as M2 (Measurement 2).
M2
(152mm)

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Group:
Bulletin No.:
Issue Date:

TECHNICAL

45-Steering
SB-15-011
02-04-2015

SERVICE BULLETIN

6. The difference between M1 and M2 is the total steering wheel free play. The specification
for steering wheel free play is less than 35mm (1 3/8 inch). Based on the measurement in the
example illustrated above, the result is 12mm. If the amount of free-play is 35mm (1 3/8 inch)
or less, do not proceed with this TSB. If the amount of free play is greater than 35mm (1 3/8
inch), proceed to the adjustment procedure, below.

Steering Wheel Free Play Specification: 35mm (1 3/8 inch) or less

ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
1. Release the cab lock, raise the cab, and set the cab lock safety latch in place.

Cab
Lock

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Safety
Latch

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TECHNICAL

45-Steering
SB-15-011
02-04-2015

SERVICE BULLETIN

2. Loosen the lock nut on the steering gear. To reduce steering wheel free play, turn the
adjuster screw clockwise 1/8 turn then tighten the lock nut to the specified torque. Perform
steps 4 through 6 in the inspection procedure, above, to recheck the amount of steering wheel
free play. If steering wheel free play is less than 35mm (1 3/8 inch), proceed to step 3, below.
If steering wheel free play is still more than 35mm (1 3/8 inch), loosen the lock nut again, turn
the adjuster screw clockwise an additional 1/8 turn, then tighten the lock nut to the specified
torque. Perform steps 4 through 6 in the inspection procedure, above, to recheck the amount
of steering wheel free play. Repeat this process until the free play is less than 35mm (1 3/8
inch). Once the correct amount of free play is achieved, proceed to step 3, below.
Specified Torque: 50 lb-ft (68 Nm)
NOTICE: Do not force the adjuster screw. If binding or high resistance is felt when turning the
adjuster screw clockwise, stop tightening the adjuster screw, rotate the screw 1/8 turn
counterclockwise, then tighten the lock nut to the specified torque.
Lock
Nut

Steering
Gear

Adjuster
Screw

Free Play
Increases

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Free Play
Decreases

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TECHNICAL

45-Steering
SB-15-011
02-04-2015

SERVICE BULLETIN

3. Release the safety latch, lower the cab, and
engage the cab lock. Remove the 2 zip ties and
ruler from the steering wheel. Remove the
pointer zip tie from the grab handle. Remove
the wheel chocks.

Cab Lock

4. In a parking lot intersection, confirm that
the vehicle steers smoothly after making left
and right turns. If the steering is satisfactory,
proceed to step 5, below. If the steering is
binding, the adjustment performed in step 2
may be too tight. Increase the amount of free
play by backing off the adjuster screw then
retightening the lock nut as outlined above.
The amount of free play should still be 35mm
(1 3/8 inch) or less.

5. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds to
confirm that the steering and stability is
comparable to a like vehicle. Confirm that
steering behavior is normal when driving
straight and when changing lanes. The
steering wheel should return to center after
making turns with minimal to no assistance.
Verify that characteristics such as steering kick
back, when hitting bumps in the road, does
not differ significantly than when compared to
the behavior before the steering adjustment.
If the vehicle drives normally, proceed to the
final inspection procedure, below.

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Vendor Ref.: HMM-150115-J1

Group:
Bulletin No.:
Issue Date:

TECHNICAL

45-Steering
SB-15-011
02-04-2015

SERVICE BULLETIN

FINAL INSPECTION
1. To complete this procedure, review the TSB and confirm the following:




The amount of steering wheel free play is less than 35mm (1 3/8 inch).
The adjuster lock nut has been tightened to the specified torque.
The vehicle steers smoothly and the steering wheel returns to center normally after
turns during a road test.

NOTE: This procedure is provided as technical information and is not an authorization for a warranty repair.

CLAIM APPLICATION:
* Reimbursable in accordance within the terms and policies of the Hino Truck limited warranties.
Steering Gear Adjustment:
a) Labor charge: 1.0 hour
b) Warranty code: 41219
c) Trouble code: 72
d) Operation code: 41250AOT
e) Original part number: 9999999999

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Vendor Ref.: HMM-150115-J1