| Hard steering |
Troubleshoot the system (see HARD STEERING
). |
- Modified suspension
- Damaged suspension
- Tire sizes, tire varieties, and air pressure
|
| Assist (excessively light steering at high speed) |
Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
). |
Front wheel alignment (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT
) |
| Shock or vibration when the steering wheel is turned to full lock |
- Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
- Check the drive belt for slippage (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
).
- Check the power steering pump pressure test with T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001
) or T/N 07406-001000A (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A
).
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
|
|
| Steering wheel will not return smoothly |
- Check cylinder lines for deformation.
- Check upper and lower ball joints for binding.
- Check wheel alignment (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT
).
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see step 1 in STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
|
|
| Uneven or rough steering |
- Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
- 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 inlet side of pump.
- Check for low fluid level in the power steering reservoir due to possible leaks in system.
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see step 1 in STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
|
|
| Steering wheel kicks back during wide turns |
- Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
).
- Check the power steering pump pressure test with T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001
) or T/N 07406-001000A (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A
).
|
|
| Humming noise from the power steering system |
- Check when the noise occurs:
- If the noise is heard 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 the high-pressure hose touching the subframe or body.
- Check for automatic transmission converter noise.
- Check for air bubbles in the power steering fluid, leak on inlet side of pump.
- Check for particle contamination of fluid and restricted filter in the reservoir.
|
Pump pressure |
| 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 rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
- Check the power steering pump pulley:
- If the pulley is loose, tighten it (see step 17 in REASSEMBLY
).
- If the pump shaft is loose, replace the pump (see PUMP REPLACEMENT
).
|
|
| Hissing from the power steering system |
- Check the fluid level. If low, fill the reservoir to the proper level and check for leaks.
- Check the reservoir for leaks.
- Check for crushed inlet hose or loose hose clamp allowing air into the suction side of the system.
- Check the power steering pump shaft oil seal for leaks.
|
Air in the P/S fluid |
| Noise from the power steering pump |
- Compare the pump noise at normal operating temperature to another like vehicle (pump noise for 2-3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather is normal).
- Remove and inspect the pump for wear and damage (see
PUMP OVERHAUL ).
|
- 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 steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from the left boot. Replace the valve oil seal on the pinion shaft. Replace the cylinder end seal on the gearbox side.
- Fluid leaks from the right boot. Replace the right cylinder end seal.
- 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. Replace the valve housing.
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering line |
- Fluid leaks from the cylinder line connections (flare nuts). Tighten the connection and retest.
- Fluid leaks from a damaged cylinder lines. Replace the cylinder line.
- 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, or valve body unit as necessary.
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump |
- Fluid leaks from the front oil seal. Replace the front oil seal.
- 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 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. If the fluid is aerated check for an air leak on the inlet side of pump.
- Fluid leaks from reservoir. Check for the reservoir for cracks and replace as necessary.
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump outlet hose (high-pressure) |
- Check the fitting for loose bolts. If the bolts are tight, replace the fitting O-ring.
- Fluid leaks at the swagged joint. Replace the outlet hose.
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump inlet hose (low-pressure) |
Check the hose for damage, deterioration, or improper assembly. Replace or repair as necessary. |
|