Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Steering system noise	Low fluid level Fluid aeration Steering gear Power steering pump Loose or damaged steering linkage Loose or damaged suspension component(s) Steering column Steering column boot bearing Intermediate shaft Loose dash boot seal	Go To PINPOINT TEST A: STEERING SYSTEM NOISE .
Steering is very difficult/very easy	Seized intermediate shaft U-joints Damaged, fractured steering column bearing(s) Steering gear Power steering pump Power steering hoses Binding dash boot seal	Go To PINPOINT TEST C: EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL PLAY .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column Steering column intermediate shaft Steering linkage Ball joints Strut bearing plate (if applicable)	Go To PINPOINT TEST D: STEERING SYSTEM DRIFT/PULL/WANDER .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Tire pressure Wheel alignment Steering gear Unevenly loaded vehicle Steering column intermediate shaft Frame alignment	CORRECT the vehicle loading as necessary. Go To PINPOINT TEST D: STEERING SYSTEM DRIFT/PULL/WANDER .
Feedback	Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod	GO to COMPONENT TESTS , TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE .
	Loose, worn or damaged tie -rod ends	INSTALL new steering gear insulators or bolts if necessary, or TIGHTEN the bolts as needed.
	Loose or damaged steering gear insulators or bolts	INSTALL new bolts or TIGHTEN the bolts. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Loose lower steering column shaft U-joint bolts	INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT - 2WD (4x2) or FRONT - 4WD TORSION BAR (4x4).
	Loose suspension bushings, fasteners, ball joints, or strut bearing plate (if applicable)	INSTALL new steering column bearings(s). REFER to WHEELS & TIRES .
	Worn or damaged steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL new steering column bearings(s). REFER to WHEELS & TIRES .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding lower steering column shaft U-joints	INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Loose, worn or damaged front wheel knuckle tie-rod	GO to COMPONENT TESTS , TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE .
	Loose, worn or damaged tie -rod ends	GO to COMPONENT TESTS , STEERING LINKAGE .
	Suspension components	REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the suspension diagnoses and testing.
	Binding steering column bearing(s) Binding dash boot seal	INSTALL new steering column bearings(s). REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
Shimmy	Loose, worn or damaged tie -rod end	GO to COMPONENT TESTS , STEERING LINKAGE .
	Loose, worn or damaged tie -rod	GO to COMPONENT TESTS , TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE .
	Suspension components	REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the suspension diagnosis and testing.