Symptom Chart - Steering System

NOTE: Do not adjust the steering gear pinion preload or steering gear wear and/or damage to the steering gear may occur.

SYMPTOM CHART - STEERING SYSTEM

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist - Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles	Contaminated power steering fluid Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	Go To PINPOINT TEST A .
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist - Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles	Contaminated power steering fluid Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	Go To PINPOINT TEST D .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column shaft/coupling Steering linkage	Go To PINPOINT TEST B .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Steering column shaft/U-joints Steering gear Steering gear mounts	Go To PINPOINT TEST C .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding steering column shaft/coupling U-joints Steering gear Steering gear turn tube banjo bolts/dampers Binding dash boot seal Binding steering column bearing(s) Suspension components	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article. To continue the suspension diagnosis, REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article. INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article. INSTALL a new dash boot seal. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article. INSTALL new banjo bolt/dampers. REFER to Steering Gear Turn Tubes Removal and Installation in POWER STEERING article. The steering gear cannot be adjusted. INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.