Inspection and Verification: Notes
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.
- Verify the customer concern.
- Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.VISUAL INSPECTION TABLE
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 reservoir baffle
- Power steering reservoir screen
- Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
- Power steering return hoses and clamps
- Steering gear
- Power steering pump
- Power steering pressure switch
- Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
- Aeration or foam: Purge the power steering system. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING in this service information.
- Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUSHING in this service information.
- Check the fluid level and clean the power steering components.
With the ignition OFF:
- 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.
- Visually inspect the power steering hydraulic line/hose connections for leaks.
- If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting or clamp plate joint, 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 article.
- 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.
- If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, verify that the hose is fully installed on the hose fitting and the clamp is positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose before tightening the screw clamp. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM article.
- If a leak is detected at the power steering pressure switch, install a new switch. Refer to the appropriate ENGINE article for the procedure.
- 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 article.
- If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM article.
NOTE: On vehicles with rack-and-pinion steering gear, it may be necessary to remove the bellows boot clamp from the steering gear bellows boot to inspect for internal steering gear leaks.If a leak is detected in the steering gear, repair or install a new steering gear. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM article.
- If a leak is detected in the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM article.
- For information on power steering leak detection, refer to COMPONENT TESTS in this service information.
- 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 TABLE - STEERING SYSTEM or GO to SYMPTOM TABLE - NVH .
NOTE:
It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.
NOTE:
Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.