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Problem Symptoms Table

HINT:

Use the table below to help determine the cause of the problem symptom. The potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected Area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.

Steering system 

PROBLEM SYMPTOMS CHART

Symptom Suspected Area See page
Hard steering 1. Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) INSPECTION
2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
3. Front suspension (Lower ball joint) INSPECTION
4. Steering intermediate shaft STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
5. Steering column STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
6. Steering gear REMOVAL
7. Power steering ECU POWER STEERING ECU
Poor return 1. Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) INSPECTION
2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
3. Steering column STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
4. Steering gear REMOVAL
5. Power steering ECU POWER STEERING ECU
No free play or excessive play 1. Steering intermediate shaft STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
2. Steering gear REMOVAL
Knocking (or clunking) sound occurs when steering wheel turned while power steering in operation 1. Steering intermediate shaft STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
2. Front suspension (Lower ball joint) INSPECTION
3. Front axle hub (Hub bearing) ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
4. Steering gear REMOVAL
Friction sound occurs when steering wheel turned during low speed driving 1. Power steering motor STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
2. Steering column STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
High-pitched sound (squealing sound) occurs when steering wheel turned slowly with vehicle stopped 1. Power steering motor STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when steering wheel turned while vehicle stopped 1. Power steering motor STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 
2. Steering column STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY