| Hard steering |
Troubleshoot the system (see HARD STEERING
). |
- Modified suspension
- Damaged suspension
- Incorrect tire sizes, tire varieties, and air pressure
|
| Assist (excessively light steering at high speed) |
Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
). |
|
| 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 07406-1
), T/N 07406-001000A or T/N 07406-001A101 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A OR T/N 07406-001A101
).
- Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
- Replace the valve body unit (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 upper and lower ball joints for binding.
- Check wheel alignment (see
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 CHECK/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 inlet side of pump.
- Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
- Replace the valve body unit (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 system (see FLUID CHECK/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 07406-1
), 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 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
- Fuel 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: If the pump shaft is loose, replace the pump (see PUMP REPLACEMENT
).
- Check the rack guide adjustment (see 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 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 valve body unit (see step 15
).
- Fluid leaks from the driver's side boot. Replace the valve oil seal on the pinion shaft. Replace the cylinder end seal on the driver's side (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from the passenger's side boot. Replace the cylinder end seal on the passenger's side (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from pinion shaft near the lower steering joint bolt. Overhaul the valve body unit (see step 15
).
- Fluid leaks from the steering damping valve covers on the valve body unit. Replace the valve housing.
- Fluid leaks from the ECPS valve motor. Replace the O-rings (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 the valve body unit as necessary.
|
Fluid contamination |
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump |
- Fluid leaks from the pump cover seal. Replace the pump cover 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. If the fluid is aerated check for an air leak on the inlet side of the pump.
- Fluid leaks from the 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 |