Pinpoint Test B: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

• 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 .

• Check that the front ball joints and upper strut bearing move freely and are not binding or sticking. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
• Are the front ball joints and upper strut bearing OK? 
  • Yes  : GO to  B3.
  • No  : INSTALL new ball joints or upper strut bearing as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION .

• 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 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 the system. REFER to the COMPONENT TESTS .