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Pinpoint Test B: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

  1. B1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT  .
    NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
    • 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?  .
    1. Yes  : GO to B2.
    2. 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 AND UPPER STRUT BEARING  .
    • Check that the front ball joints and upper strut bearing move freely and are not binding or sticking. Refer to FRONT in Suspension .
    • Are the front ball joints and upper strut bearing OK?  .
    1. Yes  : GO to B3.
    2. No  : INSTALL new ball joints or upper strut bearing as necessary. REFER to FRONT in Suspesion .
  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?  .
    1. 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 .

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