Symptom Chart

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Steering system noise	Low fluid level Fluid aeration Steering gear Power steering pump Loose or damaged steering linkage Loose or damaged suspension component(s) Steering column Steering column boot bearing Intermediate shaft Loose dash boot seal	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
Steering is very difficult/very easy	Seized intermediate shaft U-joints Damaged, fractured steering column bearing(s) Steering gear Power steering pump Power steering hoses Ball joints Strut bearing plate (if applicable) Binding dash boot seal	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column Steering column intermediate shaft Steering linkage Ball joints Strut bearing plate (if applicable)	GO to PINPOINT TEST C .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Tire pressure	INFLATE the tires to the correct pressure.
	Unevenly loaded vehicle	CORRECT the vehicle loading as necessary.
	Wheel alignment	GO to PINPOINT TEST D .
	Steering gear
	Steering column intermediate shaft
	Frame alignment
Feedback	Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends	GO to STEERING LINKAGE .
	Loose or damaged steering gear insulators or bolts	TIGHTEN the bolts or INSTALL new steering gear insulators as necessary.
	Loose intermediate shaft U-joint or pinch bolts	TIGHTEN the bolts or INSTALL a new intermediate shaft as necessary. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Loose suspension bushings, fasteners, ball joints, or strut bearing plate (if applicable)	INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION .
	Worn or damaged steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL new steering column bearing(s). REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding intermediate shaft U-joints	INSTALL a new intermediate shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends	GO to STEERING LINKAGE .
	Suspension components	REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the suspension diagnosis and testing.
	Binding steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL new steering column bearing(s). REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Binding dash boot seal
Shimmy	Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends	GO to STEERING LINKAGE .
Shimmy	Suspension components	REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the suspension diagnosis and testing.