Symptom Chart - Steering System

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.

SYMPTOM CHART - STEERING SYSTEM

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist - vehicles with vacuum boost	Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist - vehicles with Hydro-Boost®	Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear meshload Steering linkage Steering column shaft	GO to PINPOINT TEST C .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Steering column shaft/U-joints Steering gear Steering gear mounts	GO to PINPOINT TEST D .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding steering column shaft/coupling U-joints Loose, worn or damaged steering linkage Binding suspension components Binding steering column bearing(s) Binding dash boot seal Steering gear	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . GO to STEERING LINKAGE Component Test. To continue the suspension diagnosis, REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION . INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . INSTALL a new dash boot seal. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING SYSTEM SERVICING .