Steering System Diagnosis Charts

STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS

NOTE: There are four diagnosis charts following that cover POWER STEERING NOISE, BINDING AND STICKING, INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER and LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD.

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.

POWER STEERING NOISE

BINDING AND STICKING

INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER

LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD

NOTE: * Steering shudder can be expected in new vehicles and vehicles with recent steering system repairs. Shudder should dissipate after the vehicle has been driven several weeks.

NOTE: ** To evaluate this condition, it may be necessary to disconnect the coupling at the base of the steering column. Turn the steering wheel and feel or listen for internal rubbing in steering column. To avoid damaging the column clockspring, note the following. Before disconnecting coupling, place tires in the straight-ahead position and center steering wheel. Once disconnected, DO NOT rotate steering wheel more than one revolution in either direction and place steering wheel in original location before reconnecting coupling. If this position is lost, the steering column clockspring must be recentered following the procedure found within the procedure for steering column installation in the steering column.

NOTE: *** Increased low speed or stationary steering effort can be expected if the steering fluid is at a high temperature. High fluid temperature usually results from high engine rpm due to trailer towing, ascending grades, or racing the engine for prolonged periods of time.