| Hard steering |
Troubleshoot the system (see SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING
). |
- Modified suspension
- Damaged suspension
- Tire sizes, tire varieties, and air pressure
|
| Assist (excessively light steering at high speed) |
Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
). |
Front wheel alignment (see
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
) |
| Shock or vibration when the steering wheel is turned to full lock |
- Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
- Check the drive belt for slippage (see
DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
).
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001
) or T/N 07406-001000A (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A
).
|
|
| Steering wheel will not return smoothly |
- Check cylinder lines for deformation.
- Check wheel alignment (see
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
).
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
), check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
|
|
| Uneven or rough steering |
- Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
- Check the drive belt (see
DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
).
- Check low or erratic engine idle speed (see
IDLE SPEED INSPECTION
).
- Check for air in the power steering system due to low fluid level or an air leak at the pump inlet hose.
- Check for low fluid level in the power steering reservoir due to possible leaks in system.
- Overhaul the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
|
|
| Steering wheel kicks back during wide turns |
- Check the drive belt (see
DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
).
- Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with T/N 07406-0010001 (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-0010001
) or T/N 07406-001000A (see PUMP PRESSURE TEST WITH T/N 07406-001000A
).
|
|
| Humming noise from the power steering system |
- Check when the noise occurs:
- If the noise is heard 2-3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather, this is normal.
- If the noise is heard when the wheel is turned with the vehicle stopped, this is normal due to the fluid pulsation.
- Check for the high-pressure hose touching the front suspension subframe or body.
- Check for automatic transmission converter noise.
- Check for air bubbles in the power steering fluid, and a leak on inlet side of the pump.
- Check for particle contamination of fluid and restricted filter in the reservoir.
|
Pump pressure |
| Power steering rack rattle or chattering (rack rattle) |
- Check for loose steering components (tie-rod end ball joints). Tighten or replace as necessary.
- Check the steering column shaft for wobbling. If the steering column wobbles, replace the steering column assembly (see STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
).
- Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT
).
- Check the power steering pump pulley.
- If the pulley is loose, tighten it (see step 47)
.
- If the pump shaft is loose, replace the pump (see PUMP REPLACEMENT
).
|
|
| Hissing noise/foaming fluid in reservoir |
- Check the fluid level. If low, fill the reservoir to the proper level and check for leaks.
- Check the reservoir for leaks.
- Check for crushed inlet hose or loose hose clamp allowing air into the suction side of the system.
- Check the power steering pump shaft oil seal for leaks.
|
- Air in the P/S fluid
- Restricted reservoir screen
|
| Noise from the power steering pump |
- Compare the pump noise at normal operating temperature to another like vehicle (pump noise up to 2-3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather is normal).
- Remove and inspect the pump for wear and damage (see PUMP OVERHAUL
).
|
- P/S pump pressure
- Air in the P/S fluid
|
| Squeaking from the power steering pump |
Check the drive belt (see
DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
). |
|
| Fluid leaks from the steering gearbox |
- Fluid leaks from the top of the valve body unit: Overhaul the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL
).
- Fluid leaks from boot A: Replace the valve oil seal on the pinion shaft. Replace the cylinder end seal on the gearbox side.
- Fluid leaks from boot B: Replace the left cylinder end seal.
- Fluid leaks from pinion shaft near the lower steering joint bolt: Overhaul the valve body unit.
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering line |
- Fluid leaks from the cylinder line connections (flare nuts): Tighten the connection and retest.
- Fluid leaks from damaged cylinder lines: Replace the cylinder line.
- Fluid leaks from the pump outlet hose or return line fitting on the valve body unit (flare nuts): Tighten the fitting and retest. If it still leaks, replace the hose, the line, or valve body unit as necessary.
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump |
- Fluid leaks from the front oil seal: Replace the front oil seal.
- Fluid leaks from the power steering pump housing: Replace the leaking O-rings or seals (see PUMP OVERHAUL
), and if necessary replace the power steering pump (see PUMP REPLACEMENT
).
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering reservoir |
- Fluid leaks from around the reservoir cap: Fluid level is too high; drain the reservoir to the proper level. Aerated fluid: check for an air leak on the inlet side of pump.
- Fluid leaks from reservoir: Check the reservoir for cracks and replace as necessary.
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump outlet hose (high-pressure) |
- Check the fitting for loose bolts. If the bolts are tight, replace the fitting O-ring.
- Fluid leaks at the swagged joint: Replace the outlet hose.
|
|
| Fluid leaks from the power steering pump inlet hose (low-pressure) |
Check the hose for damage, deterioration, or improper assembly. Replace or repair as necessary. |
|