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Pinpoint Test B: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. B1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 
    NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the steering column shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
    • Check the steering column and steering column shaft for grounding.
    • Disconnect the steering column shaft at the steering column.
    • Verify that the steering column shaft U-joints move freely and that the steering column bearing rotates freely.
    • Are the steering column bearing and steering column shaft U-joints OK? 
    • Yes  : GO to B2.
    • No  : If the steering column or the steering column shaft are grounding, REPAIR as necessary.

      If the steering column bearings or the steering column shaft are binding, INSTALL a new steering column shaft or steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .

  2. B2 CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS 
    • Check that the front ball joints move freely and are not binding or sticking. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 .
    • Are the front ball joints OK? 
  3. B3 MONITOR ANY ENGINE RPM CHANGES 
    NOTE: Make sure 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. REFER to POWER STEERING .

      If left-to-right variation is present, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .

      If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm does not change, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING .

      If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING .

    • No  : CARRY OUT the Pump Flow and Pressure Test. REFER to Component Tests, PUMP FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST .
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