Symptom Chart - Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
No communication with the power steering control module	Wiring, terminals or connectors Fuse(s) Power steering control module	REFER to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK article to diagnose the no communication problem.
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering column Steering linkage Suspension components	Go to Pinpoint Test C .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Unevenly loaded vehicle	CORRECT the vehicle loading as necessary.
	Tires Wheel alignment Steering column shaft Steering gear mounts Suspension components	Go to Pinpoint Test D .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding lower steering column shaft coupling/U-joints	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
	Loose, worn or damaged tie rod	Go to Steering Linkage Component Test.
	Suspension components	To continue the suspension diagnosis, Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
	Binding steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
	Binding steering column shaft dash panel seal	INSTALL a new dash panel seal as necessary. REFER to Steering Column Shaft in STEERING COLUMN article.