Symptom Chart - Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM CHART - STEERING SYSTEM

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist (early build vehicles)	Contaminated power steering fluid Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist (late build vehicles)	Contaminated power steering fluid Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering linkage Steering column shaft/coupling Steering gear	GO to PINPOINT TEST C .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Steering gear mounts Steering column shaft/U-joints Steering gear	GO to PINPOINT TEST D .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding steering column shaft/coupling U-joints	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Loose, worn or damaged steering linkage	GO to STEERING LINKAGE COMPONENT TEST .
	Binding suspension components	To continue the suspension diagnosis, REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
	Binding steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Binding dash boot seal	INSTALL a new dash boot seal. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Steering gear	REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING .