INSPECTION PROCEDURE 2: Difficult Steering Wheel Operation (Insufficient Power Assist): Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

STEP 1. Check the power steering belt tension.
Refer to Maintenance Service - DRIVE BELTS .

Q: Is the power steering belt tension within the standard value?

YES : Go to Step 2.

NO: Adjust the tension (Refer to Maintenance Service - DRIVE BELTS ). Then go to Step 10.
STEP 2. Check the belt for damage.
Q: Is the belt damaged?

YES : Replace the belt. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check the fluid level.
1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface, start the engine, and then turn the steering wheel several times to raise the temperature of the fluid to approximately 50 - 60°C (122 - 140°F).
2. With the engine running, turn the wheel all the way to the left and right several times.
3. Check the fluid in the oil reservoir for foaming or milkiness. Check the difference of the fluid level when the engine is stopped, and while it is running. If the change of the fluid level is 5 mm (0.2 inch) or more, bleed air from the system (Refer to FLUID LEVEL CHECK ).
Q: Is fluid foamy?

YES : Go to Step 4.

NO: Go to Step 10.

Fig 1: Identifying Fluid Level While Engine Run And Stop
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
STEP 4. Check for entry of air.
Q: Has air entered?

YES : Bleed the air (Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM AIR BLEEDING ). Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check each hose for crushing or twisting.
Q: Is any hose crushed or twisted?

YES : Repair or replace the hose. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 6.
STEP 6. Check for oil leaks.
Q: Are there oil leaks?

YES : Repair it. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Check the wheel alignment (camber and caster).
Refer to On-vehicle Service - FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK AND ADJUSTMENT .

Q: Is the alignment incorrect?

YES : Repair it. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 8.
STEP 8. Check the gear box rack piston seal for damage.
Q: Is there damage?

YES : Replace it. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 9.
STEP 9. Check for excessive tie rod end ball joint breakaway torque.
Refer to TIE ROD END BALL JOINT BREAKAWAY TORQUE CHECK .

Q: Is there fault?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 10.

NO: Go to Step 10.
STEP 10. Check steering wheel operation.
Verify that steering wheel operation is not difficult.

Q: Is the steering wheel operation difficult?

YES : Repeat to Step 1.

NO: Diagnosis is complete.