Diagnosis By Symptom
Steering Feels Heavy1. Steering fluid leakage or loss.
2. Twisted or cut plastic valve ring.
3. Faulty plastic piston ring.
4. Loose rack piston.
5. Faulty rubber back-up piston O-ring.
6. Faulty rack assembly.
7. Improper belt tension.
8. Hose, cooler or pump external leakage.
9. Improper engine idle speed.
10. Faulty pulley.
11. Hose or cooler line restriction.
Improper Steering Wheel Return
1. Improperly aligned steering column or flange.
2. Binding intermediate shaft.
3. Valve assembly binding.
4. Damaged sub frame or rack.
5. Binding column bearing.
6. Improper wheel alignment settings.
7. Power steering system contamination.
8. Deformed engine mounts.
Vehicle Wanders
1. Loose tie rod ends.
2. Loose or worn inner ball housing.
3. Loose gear assembly mount.
4. Loose column intermediate shaft bolts.
5. Loose or worn column intermediate shaft joints.
6. Improper wheel alignment settings.
Rattle Or Knocking Noise From Steering Gear
1. Loose column U-joints.
2. Loose tie rod ends.
3. Loose gear assembly mount.
4. Loose pinion bearing cap.
5. Loose or worn ball joint.
6. Rack piston loose or disengaged.
7. Worn steering gear yoke.
8. Loose column intermediate shaft bolts.
9. Loose struts.
Hissing Sound
Hissing sound is a normal characteristic of rotary steering gears and in no way affects steering.
1. Improper steering column shaft and gear.
2. Improper clearance between flexible coupling components.
3. Loose boot at dash panel.