Steering: Testing and Inspection

HARD STEERING
1. Low or uneven tire pressure.
2. Improper gear adjustment.
3. Improper wheel alignment.
4. Low fluid level.
5. Twisted or bent suspension parts, frame and linkage components.
6. Tight wheel bearings.
7. Steering spindle bent.
8. Pump belt out of adjustment.
9. Pump output low.
10. Air in system.
11. Valve spool out of adjustment.
12. Valve spool sticking.
13. Steering linkage binding.

HARD STEERING STRAIGHT AHEAD
1. Steering adjustment too tight.
2. Steering gear shaft binding.

HARD STEERING WHILE TURNING OR PARKING
1. Oil level low.
2. Pump pressure low.
3. Pressure loss in steering gear due to leakage past O-rings.
4. Pressure loss between valve spool and sleeve.
5. Pressure loss past piston ring or scored housing bore.

LOOSE STEERING
1. Loose wheel bearings.
2. Loose tie rod ends or linkage.
3. Worn ball joints.
4. Worn suspension parts.
5. Insufficient mesh load.
6. Insufficient worm bearing preload.
7. Valve spool out of adjustment.

ERRATIC STEERING
1. Oil or brake fluid on brake lining.
2. Out of round brake drums.
3. Improperly adjusted brakes.
4. Under-inflated tires.
5. Broken spring or other details in suspension system.
6. Improper caster adjustment.
7. Fluid level low.

BINDING OR POOR RECOVERY
1. Steering gear shaft binding.
2. Steering gear out of adjustment.
3. Steering linkage binding.
4. Valve spool binding due to dirt or burred edges.
5. Valve spool out of adjustment.
6. Interference at sector shaft and ball stud.

LOSS OF POWER ASSIST
1. Pump inoperative.
2. Hydraulic lines damaged.
3. Power cylinder damaged.
4. Valve spool out of adjustment.

LOSS OF POWER ASSIST IN ONE DIRECTION
1. Valve spool out of adjustment.

NOISY PUMP
1. Air being drawn into pump.
2. Lines touching other parts of car.
3. Oil level low.
4. Excessive back pressure caused by obstructions in lines.
5. Excessive wear of internal parts.

POOR RETURN TO CENTER
1. Valve spool sticking.
2. Valve spool out of adjustment.
3. All items given under ``Binding or Poor Recovery.''

STEERING WHEEL SURGE WHILE TURNING
1. Valve spool sticking.
2. Excessive internal leakage.
3. Belt slippage.