Pinpoint Test B: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- B1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
- Check the steering column and intermediate shaft for grounding.
- Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft at the steering column.
- Verify that the intermediate shaft U-joints do not bind and that the steering column bearing rotates freely.
- Are the steering column bearing and intermediate shaft U-joints OK?
- Yes : GO to B2.
- No : If the steering column or the intermediate shaft are grounding, REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
If the steering column bearings or the intermediate shaft are binding, INSTALL a new intermediate shaft or steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . TEST the system for normal operation.
- B2 CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS
- Check that the front ball joints move freely and are not binding or sticking. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are the front ball joints OK?
- Yes : GO to B3.
- No : INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X2 (4x2) or FRONT SUSPENSION - 4X4 (4x4).
- B3 MONITOR ENGINE RPM CHANGES NOTE: Make sure the vehicle is on a flat, dry surface.
- Key in START position.
- Turn the steering wheel once to the left stop position and then to the right stop position.
- Note the engine rpm during the turns.
- Does the engine rpm change when turning the steering wheel?
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.- Yes
: If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm changes, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING
.
If left-to-right variation is present, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm does not change, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING .
If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : CARRY OUT the Pump Flow and Pressure Test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS . TEST the system for normal operation.