Inspection and Verification: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Ford Pickup, 2011 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2011 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2011 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Verify the customer concern.
- Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.VISUAL INSPECTION CHART
Mechanical - Fluid level
- Tire pressure
- Tires
- Drive belt
- Drive belt tensioner
- Steering column alignment
- Tie-rod ends
- Suspension components
- Steering column shaft U-joints
- Intermediate shaft bolts
- Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
- Power steering return hoses and clamps
- Steering gear
- Power steering pump
- Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
- Aeration or foam: Purge the power steering system. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING .
- Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUSHING .
- Check the fluid level and clean the power steering components. With the ignition OFF:NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.
- Check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary.
- Wipe off any visible signs of fluid or residue build up.
- Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times.NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
- Visually inspect the power steering hydraulic line/hose connections for leaks.
- If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the O-rings or Teflon® seals. Install new O-rings or Teflon® seals as necessary. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .
- If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting. Make sure that the constant tension spring clamp is positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
- Visually inspect the power steering components for leaks.
- If a leak is detected in the power steering pressure line or return hose, install a new hose. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .
- If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .
- If a leak is detected at the steering gear, inspect the steering gear and determine the source of the leak. If the leak is related to seals, O-rings and/or the sector shaft cover, reseal the steering gear. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly in POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING . If there is damage to the steering gear housing or mating components, a new steering gear must be installed. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .
- If a leak is detected in the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .
- For information on power steering leak detection, refer to COMPONENT TESTS .
- If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding.
- If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to SYMPTOM CHART - STEERING SYSTEM or GO to SYMPTOM CHART - NVH .