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Pinpoint Test B: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. B1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARING AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 
    NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft.
    • 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 B2.

    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. 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 SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
    • Are the front ball joints OK? 

    Yes  GO to B3.

    No  INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM .

  3. B3 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. Refer to STEERING GEAR .

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

    If no power steering assist is present and the engine RPM does not change, INSTALL a new power steering pump. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L SOHC  or POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.6L (2V) .

    If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L SOHC  or POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.6L (2V) .

    No  CARRY OUT the Pump Flow and Pressure Test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .

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