Steering Wheel Feel
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Magnum, 2006 Dodge Charger, and 2006 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN CLICKING, CLUNKING OR RATTLING | 1. Loose steering coupling pinch bolt. | 1. Replace pinch bolt and tighten to specified torque. (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN - SPECIFICATIONS) |
| 2. Steering column bearings. | 2. Replace steering column. | |
| STEERING WHEEL HAS FORE AND AFT MOVEMENT | 1. Steering wheel retaining bolt not properly tightened/torqued. | 1. Tighten steering wheel retainer bolt to specified torque. (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN - SPECIFICATIONS) |
| STEERING WHEEL OR DASH VIBRATES DURING LOW SPEED OR STANDSTILL STEERING MANEUVERS | 1. Air in the fluid of the power steering system. | 1. Bleed air from system following the power steering pump initial operation service procedure.* |
| 2. Tires not properly inflated. | 2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure. | |
| 3. Excessive engine vibration. | 3. Ensure that the engine is running properly. | |
| 4. Loose tie rod end jam nut. | 4. Tighten the inner to outer tie rod jam nut to the specified torque. (Refer to STEERING - SPECIFICATIONS) | |
| 5. Overcharged air conditioning system. | 5. Check air conditioning pump head pressure and correct as necessary. | |
| STEERING CATCHES, STICKS IN CERTAIN POSITIONS OR IS DIFFICULT TO TURN | 1. Low power steering fluid level. | 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to specified level and check for leaks. |
| 2. Tires not inflated to specified pressure. | 2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure. | |
| 3. Lack of lubrication in front suspension control arm ball joints. | 3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a lubricated-for-life type ball joint. If ball joint is a lubricated-for-life ball joint, replace ball joint or control arm. | |
| 4. Worn lower control arm ball joint. | 4. Replace lower control arm. | |
| 5. Lack of lubrication in steering gear outer tie rod ends. | 5. Lubricate tie rod ends if they are not a lubricated-for-life type. If tie rod end is a lubricated-for-life type, replace tie rod end. | |
| 6. Loose power steering pump drive belt. | 6. Tighten the power steering pump drive belt to specifications. If drive belt is worn or glazed, replace belt. | |
| 7. Faulty power steering pump flow control. (Refer to STEERING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) | 7. Replace power steering pump. | |
| 8. Excessive friction in steering column or intermediate shaft/coupler. | 8. Isolate and replace defective component. | |
| 9. Binding lower control arm ball joint. | 9. Replace the lower control arm. | |
| 10. Excessive friction in power steering gear. | 10. Replace power steering gear. | |
| 11. Worn/binding seat and bearing in front strut assembly. | 11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut assembly. | |
| STIFF, HARD TO TURN, SURGE, MOMENTARY INCREASE IN EFFORT WHEN TURNING | 1. Tires not properly inflated. | 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure. |
| 2. Low power steering fluid level. | 2. Add power steering fluid as required to power steering fluid reservoir to obtain proper level. Check for leaks. | |
| 3. Loose power steering pump drive belt. | 3. Tighten the power steering pump drive belt to specifications. If drive belt is worn or glazed, replace belt. | |
| 4. Lack of lubrication in lower control arm ball joints. | 4. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a lubricated-for-life type ball joint. If ball joint is a lubricated-for-life ball joint, replace lower control arm. | |
| 5. Low power steering pump pressure. (Refer to STEERING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) | 5. Replace the power steering pump as necessary. | |
| 6. High internal leak in power steering gear. (Refer to STEERING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) | 6. Replace power steering gear. | |
| STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER POSITION | 1. Tires not inflated properly. | 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure. |
| 2. Improper front wheel alignment. | 2. Check and adjust wheel alignment as necessary. | |
| 3. Lack of lubrication/binding in front lower control arm ball joints. | 3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a lubricated-for-life type of ball joint, then inspect ball joint for wear, replace lower control arm as necessary. If ball joint is a lubricated-for-life ball joint, replace lower control arm. | |
| 4. Damaged, mis-positioned or un-lubricated steering column coupler to dash seal.** | 4. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash seal. | |
| 5. Binding seat and bearing in front strut assembly. | 5. Replace seat and bearing in front strut assembly. | |
| 6. Tight shaft bearing in steering column. | 6. Replace the steering column. | |
| 7. Excessive friction in steering column coupling. | 7. Replace steering column coupling. | |
| 8. Excessive friction in power steering gear. | 8. Replace power steering gear. | |
| EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL KICKBACK OR TOO MUCH STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY | 1. Air in the fluid of the power steering system. | 1. Bleed air from system following power steering pump initial operation service procedure.* |
| 2. Power steering gear loose on crossmember. | 2. Inspect power steering gear mounting bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to specified torque. (Refer to STEERING - SPECIFICATIONS) | |
| 3. Power steering gear housing isolator bushings worn. | 3. Replace power steering gear housing isolator bushings. | |
| 4. Steering column coupling or intermediate shaft worn, broken or loose. | 4. Replace steering column or intermediate shaft. | |
| 5. Free play in steering column. | 5. Check steering column and steering column mounting fasteners. Secure or replace steering column. | |
| 6. Worn lower control arm ball joints. | 6. Replace lower control arm as required. | |
| 7. Loose steering knuckle-to-ball joint stud pinch bolt. | 7. Inspect pinch bolt, replace as necessary, and tighten to specified torque. (Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT - SPECIFICATIONS) | |
| 8. Front wheel bearing loose or worn. | 8. Replace hub and bearing or knuckle as necessary. | |
| 9. Loose outer tie rod end. | 9. Replace outer tie rod end that has excessive free play. | |
| 10. Worn inner tie rod bushing. | 10. Replace inner tie rod. | |
| 11. Defective steering gear rotary valve. | 11. Replace power steering gear. |
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 steering coupling. While disconnected, 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 clockspring will need to be centered. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)