Symptom Table - Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM TABLE - STEERING SYSTEM

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist	Contaminated power steering fluid Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	Go To Pinpoint Test A: Steering Has Lack of Assist or Inconsistent Assist .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column shaft/coupling Steering linkage	Go To Pinpoint Test B: Excessive Steering Wheel Play .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Steering column shaft/coupling Steering gear mounts Steering gear valve	Go To Pinpoint Test C: Steering System Drift/Pull/Wander .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding steering column shaft/coupling U-joints	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
	Loose, worn or damaged steering linkage	GO to Steering Linkage Test .
	Binding suspension components	To continue the suspension diagnosis, REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
	Binding steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
	Binding dash boot seal	INSTALL a new dash boot seal. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
	Steering gear	INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING .