Symptom Chart

Symptom	Possible Causes	Action
Steering wanders	Excessive free play in the steering system Steering geometry incorrectly aligned	Check for excessive movement or play in the steering system with the engine running. Check for play at several different steering positions. Carry out steering geometry and alignment checks. Refer to the relevant information.
Steering pulls to the left or right	Steering geometry incorrectly aligned	Carry out steering geometry and alignment checks using a four wheel alignment system. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION . Ensure that the tire direction of rotation is correct for the position on the vehicle (where directional tires are installed)
Steering feels notchy when turning from lock to lock	Steering or suspension swivel joints seized Steering tie rod end joints or track rod inner joints seized Steering column or universal joints seized Steering gear internal components misaligned, worn or damaged	Disconnect the steering gear from the suspension. Check for freedom of movement in the suspension. Disconnect the steering column from the steering gear. Check the steering column and universal joints for freedom of movement. Check the steering gear for freedom of movement. Rectify as necessary
Steering feels tight and does not self-center
Power steering hydraulics noisy operation	Power steering fluid level low or contaminated Incorrect specification of power steering fluid Filter in the power steering reservoir blocked Power steering fluid aerated power steering hoses twisted or restricted	Check and top-up the power steering fluid level if required, using the correct specification of fluid. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION . Check for contaminated fluid. Drain the fluid from the reservoir and visually inspect the filter for obstructions/blockage. Repair/renew as necessary. Check for air ingress into the system. Check the power steering hoses for twisting or restrictions. Rectify as necessary
Power steering pump noisy	Power steering fluid level low or contaminated Filter in the power steering reservoir blocked Pump internal components worn or damaged	Check and top-up the power steering fluid level if required. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION . Check for contaminated fluid. Drain the fluid from the reservoir and visually inspect the filter for obstructions/blockage. Repair/renew as necessary. Check for excessive pump noise. Rectify as necessary
Power steering gear noisy	Power steering fluid level low or contaminated Steering gear internal components worn or damaged	Check and top-up the power steering fluid level if required. Refer to the relevant information. Check for contaminated fluid. Check for excessive steering gear noise. Rectify as necessary
Steering column noisy	Steering column fouling or universal joints dry	Check the steering column and universal joints. Rectify as necessary
Power steering feels heavier than normal through its operating range	Lack of power assistance	Check the power steering pump pressure. Check the steering column has no damage and rotates freely
Power steering feels too light at speed
Power steering feels too heavy at standstill and low speed