| Hard steering |
Troubleshoot the system (see SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING
). |
- Modified suspension
- Damaged suspension
- Incorrect tire sizes, tire varieties, and air pressure
|
| Assist (excessively light steering at high speed) |
Check RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
. |
Front wheel alignment (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT
) |
| Shock or vibration when the steering wheel is turned to full lock |
- Check the drive belt for slippage (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
).
- Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001
), T/N 07406-001000A or T/N 07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-001A101
).
- Check RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
.
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
|
- |
| Steering wheel will not return smoothly |
- Check cylinder lines for deformation (see POWER STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACEMENT
).
- Check the ball joints for binding.
- Check WHEEL ALIGNMENT
.
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
|
Damaged suspension |
| Uneven or rough steering |
- Check for low fluid level in the power steering reservoir due to possible leaks in system (see FLUID REPLACEMENT
).
- Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
).
- Check for low or erratic engine idle speed (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION
).
- Check for air in the power steering system due to air entering the inlet side of the pump.
- Check RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
.
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
|
- |
| Steering wheel kicks back during wide turns |
- Check for low fluid level in the power steering reservoir due to possible leaks in the system (see FLUID REPLACEMENT
).
- Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
).
- Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001
), T/N 07406-001000A or T/N 07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-001A101
).
|
- |
| Humming noise from the power steering system |
- Check when the noise occurs:
- If the noise is heard during the first 2-3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather, this is normal.
- If the noise is heard when the wheel is turned with the vehicle stopped, this is normal due to the fluid pulsation.
- Check for air bubbles in the power steering fluid, leak on the inlet side of the pump.
- Check for particle contamination of fluid and a restricted filter in the reservoir.
- Check for the high-pressure hose touching the subframe or body.
- Check for automatic transmission torque converter noise.
|
- Pump pressure
- Fluid contamination
- Restriction in the high-pressure line
- Restriction in the low-pressure line
|
| Power steering rack rattle or chattering |
- Check for loose steering components (tie-rod and ball joints). Tighten or replace as necessary.
- Check the steering column shaft for wobbling. If the steering column wobbles, replace the steering column assembly (see STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
).
- Check the power steering pump pulley:
- Check RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
.
|
- |
| Hissing from the power steering system/foaming fluid |
|
- Air in the P/S fluid
- Fluid contamination
|
| Noise from the power steering pump |
- Compare the pump noise at normal operating temperature to another like vehicle (pump noise during the first 2-3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather is normal).
- Remove and inspect the pump for wear and damage (see PUMP REPLACEMENT
).
|
- P/S pump pressure
- Air in the P/S fluid
|
| Squeaking from the power steering pump |
Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
). |
- |
| Fluid leaks from the steering gearbox |
- Fluid leaks from the top of the valve body unit. Overhaul the valve body unit (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from the driver's side boot. Replace the valve oil seal on the pinion shaft. Replace the cylinder end seal on the gearbox side (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from the passenger's side boot. Replace the cylinder end seal on the cylinder side (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from pinion shaft near the lower steering joint bolt. Overhaul the valve body unit (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from the steering damping valve covers on the valve body unit. Overhaul the valve housing (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
|
Fluid contamination |
| Fluid leaks from the power steering line |
- Fluid leaks from the cylinder line connections (flare nuts). Tighten the connection, and retest (see POWER STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACEMENT
).
- Fluid leaks from a damaged cylinder line(s). Replace the cylinder line(s) (see POWER STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACEMENT
).
- Fluid leaks from the pump outlet hose or return line fitting on the valve body unit (flare nuts). Tighten the fitting, and retest. If it still leaks, replace the hose, the line (see POWER STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACEMENT
), or valve body unit (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
) as necessary.
|
Fluid contamination |
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump |
- Fluid leaks from the pump seal. Replace the pump seal (see PUMP OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from the power steering pump housing. Replace the leaking O-rings or seals (see PUMP OVERHAUL
), and if necessary replace the power steering pump (see PUMP REPLACEMENT
).
|
Fluid contamination |
| Fluid leaks from the power steering reservoir |
- Fluid leaks from around the reservoir cap because fluid level is too high. Drain the reservoir to the proper level (see FLUID REPLACEMENT
). If the fluid is foaming, check for an air leak on the inlet side of pump.
- Fluid leaks from reservoir. Check the reservoir for cracks, and replace as necessary.
|
Fluid contamination |
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump outlet hose (high-pressure) |
|
Fluid contamination |
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump inlet hose (low-pressure) |
Check the hose for damage, deterioration, or improper assembly (see POWER STEERING HOSE, LINE, AND PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACEMENT
). Replace or repair as necessary. |
Fluid contamination |