Pinpoint Test B: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

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 .
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?
- Yes : GO to B3.
- No : INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 .
B3 MONITOR ANY ENGINE RPM CHANGES
NOTE: Make sure the vehicle is on a flat, dry surface.
- Key in START position.
- 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 .