Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS

NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following that cover NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) ISSUES, PERFORMANCE ISSUES, and FLUID ISSUES.

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) ISSUES

NOTE: * There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound evident when turning the steering wheel when at a standstill or when parking and the steering wheel is at the end of its travel. Hiss is a very high frequency noise similar to that experienced while slowly closing a water tap. The noise is present in every valve and results when high velocity fluid passes valve orifice edges. There is no relationship between this noise and the performance of the steering system.

NOTE: ** A light clunk may be felt or heard during steering wheel reversal while vehicle is stationary. This results from internal steering gear rack movement at the bushings and in no way affects the performance of the steering system. This movement may be felt in the steering components during steering wheel reversal.

NOTE: *** Power steering pump growl/moan/groan results from the development of high pressure fluid flow. Normally this noise level should not be high enough to be objectionable.

PERFORMANCE ISSUES

FLUID ISSUES

NOTE: Extremely cold temperatures may cause power steering fluid aeration. The air should work its way out of the system as the fluid warms.