Pinpoint Test 2: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

PINPOINT TEST 2 CHART - STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT/VERY EASY

PINPOINT TEST 2		STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT/VERY EASY
STEP	INSPECTION		ACTION
1	CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. See CLOCKSPRING . Check the steering column and intermediate shaft for grounding. Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft at the steering column. Verify that the intermediate shaft universal joints do not bind and move freely and that the steering column bearing rotates freely. Are the steering column bearing and intermediate shaft universal joints OK?	Yes	Go to next step.
1		No	If the steering column or the intermediate shaft are grounding, repair as necessary. If the steering column bearings or the intermediate shaft are binding. Install a new intermediate shaft or steering column. See STEERING COLUMN SHAFT or see STEERING COLUMN .
2	CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS AND UPPER STRUT BEARING Check that the front ball joints and upper strut bearing move freely and are not binding or sticking. See SUSPENSION DIAGNOSIS . Are the front ball joints and upper strut bearing OK?	Yes	Go to next step.
2		No	Install new ball joints or upper strut bearing as necessary. See FRONT SUSPENSION .
3	MONITOR ENGINE RPM CHANGES NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is on a flat dry surface. Key in START position. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur. Turn the steering wheel once to the left stop position and then to the right stop position. Note the engine RPM during the turns. Does the engine RPM change when turning the steering wheel?	Yes	If no power steering assist is present and the engine RPM changes, Install a new steering gear. See STEERING GEAR - 2WD or see STEERING GEAR - 4WD . If left-to-right variation is present, Install a new steering gear. See STEERING GEAR - 2WD or see STEERING GEAR - 4WD . If no power steering assist is present and the engine RPM does not change, Install a new power steering pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP - 2.3L or see POWER STEERING PUMP - 3.0L or see POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L . If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, Install a new power steering pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP - 2.3L or see POWER STEERING PUMP - 3.0L or see POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L .
3		No	Carry out the Pump Flow and Pressure Test. See Component Tests in this section.