Symptom Table - Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM TABLE - STEERING SYSTEM

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist	Contaminated power steering fluid Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column shaft/coupling Steering linkage	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Steering column shaft/coupling Steering gear mounts Steering gear valve	GO to PINPOINT TEST C .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding steering column shaft/coupling U-joints	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
	Loose, worn or damaged steering linkage	GO to STEERING LINKAGE COMPONENT TEST in this service information.
	Binding suspension components	To continue the suspension diagnosis, REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
	Binding steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
	Binding dash boot seal	INSTALL a new dash boot seal. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
	Steering gear	INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM article.