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Home >> Ford >> 2006 >> Freestar Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Steering System-General Information >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Steering System >> Inspection and Verification >> Notes
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Inspection and Verification: Notes

  1. Verify the customer concern.
  2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.
    VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

    Mechanical
    • Fluid level
    • Tire pressure
    • Tires
    • Drive belt
    • Drive belt tensioner
    • Steering column alignment
    • Tie-rod ends
    • Suspension components
    • Steering column shaft U-joints
    • Intermediate shaft bolts
    • Power steering reservoir baffle
    • Power steering reservoir screen
    • Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
    • Power steering return hoses and clamps
    • Steering gear
    • Power steering pump
    • Power steering pressure switch
  3. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
    4. NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.
  4. Check the fluid level and clean the power steering components.

    With the ignition OFF:

    • Check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary.
    • Wipe off any visible signs of fluid or residue build up.
      • CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for more than 3-5 seconds. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
    • Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times.
  5. Visually inspect the power steering hydraulic line/hose connections for leaks.
    • If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting or clamp plate joint or banjo bolt fitting, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the O-rings, Teflon© seals or banjo bolt washer seals. Install new O-rings, Teflon© seals or banjo bolt washer seals as necessary. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
    • If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting. Make sure that the constant tension spring clamp is correctly positioned. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
    • If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, verify that the hose is fully installed on the hose fitting before tightening the screw clamp. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure.
    • If a leak is detected at the power steering pressure switch, install a new switch. Refer to POWER STEERING PRESSURE (PSP) SWITCH for the procedure.
  6. Visually inspect the power steering components for leaks.
    • If a leak is detected in the power steering pressure line or return hose, install a new hose. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP TO STEERING GEAR PRESSURE LINE for the procedure.
    • If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP for the procedure.
      • NOTE: On vehicles with rack and pinion steering gear, it may be necessary to remove the bellows boot clamp from the steering gear bellows boot to inspect for internal steering gear leaks.
    • If a leak is detected in the steering gear, install a new steering gear. Refer to STEERING GEAR for the procedure.
    • If a leak is detected in the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir. Refer to POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR for the procedure.
  7. For information on power steering leak detection, refer to COMPONENT TESTS  in this article.
  8. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding.
  9. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to SYMPTOM CHART .
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