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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 (if equipped)
    • Steering column alignment
    • Tie-rod ends
    • Suspension components
    • Steering column shaft U-joints
    • Steering column shaft bolts
    • Power steering reservoir screen or filter
    • Pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
    • Power steering return hoses and clamps
    • Steering gear
    • Power steering pump
    • Power steering fluid cooler (if equipped)
    • Power Steering Pressure (PSP) 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.
      • NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may 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 damage or leaks.
    • If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting or clamp plate joint, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the O-rings or Teflon® seals. Install new O-rings or Teflon® seals as necessary. Refer to POWER STEERING .
    • 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 positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose. 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 not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting and the clamp is positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose before tightening the screw clamp. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp. Refer to POWER STEERING .
    • If a leak is detected at the Power Steering Pressure (PSP) switch, install a new switch as necessary.
    6. 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.
  6. Visually inspect the power steering components for leaks.
    • If a leak is detected in the pressure or return line, install a new line. Refer to POWER STEERING .
    • If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to POWER STEERING .
    • If a leak is detected in the steering gear, repair or install a new steering gear. Refer to POWER STEERING .
    • If a leak is detected in the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir. Refer to POWER STEERING .
  7. For information on power steering leak detection, refer to COMPONENT TESTS  in this service information.
  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 - STEERING SYSTEM  or GO to SYMPTOM CHART - NVH .
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