Test A: High Steering Effort
NOTE:
Discolored steering fluid in a rack-and-pinion steering system should not be misdiagnosed as a functional or noise concern when steering very difficult/very easy.
- Low Power Steering Pump Fluid
Fill as required and check system for leaks. See SYSTEM FILL under LUBRICATION. - Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Assembly External Or Internal Leak
Replace power rack and pinion steering gear. See STEERING GEAR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. - Power Steering Pump External Leak
Check for leaks. Tighten loose connections to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . - Power Steering Pump Pressure & Flow Improper
Check pump pressure and flow. See PUMP FLOW & PRESSURE TEST under LUBRICATION. - Improper Drive Belt Tension
Check drive belt tension. Replace drive belt if required. See DRIVE BELT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. - Hose External Leak
Replace hose as necessary. See HOSES under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. - Hose Restriction
Clean blockage or replace hose as necessary. See HOSES under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. - Power Steering Pump Pulley Loose/Warped
Replace power steering pump pulley. See POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - Power Steering Pump Drive Belt Loose/Glazed/Broken Or Water On Drive Belt
Inspect and check belt tension. Replace belt if cracked or contaminated. See DRIVE BELT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. - Engine Idle Too Low
Adjust engine idle. See 2000 ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS -- CARS or 2001 ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS -- CARS article under ENGINE PERFORMANCE . - Tires Not Properly Inflated
Inflate as required. - Suspension Bent Or Interference
Inspect, repair or replace as necessary. See FRONT -- SABLE & TAURUS article in SUSPENSIONS. - System Contaminated
Inspect for foreign objects. Flush system as necessary. See FLUSHING POWER STEERING SYSTEM under LUBRICATION. - Flex Coupling Rubbing Against Housing Face
Reposition flex coupling. - Steering Column Misaligned Or Binding
Align steering column assembly.