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 intermediate shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
- 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 bearings 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 .
B2 CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS AND UPPER STRUT BEARINGS
- Verify that the front ball joints and upper strut bearings move freely and are not binding or sticking. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the suspension diagnosis.
- Are the front ball joints and upper strut bearings OK?
- Yes : GO to B3.
- No : INSTALL new ball joints or upper strut bearings as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION .
B3 MONITOR ENGINE RPM CHANGES
NOTE: Make sure that 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 excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING .
- No : CARRY OUT the Power Steering Pump Flow and Pressure Test. REFER to the COMPONENT TESTS .