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Pinpoint Test B: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. 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 .

  2. 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 .
  3. B3 MONITOR ENGINE RPM CHANGES 
    NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is on a flat dry surface.
    • 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 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 .
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