Symptom Chart - Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Do not adjust the steering gear pinion preload or steering gear wear and/or damage to the steering gear may occur.

SYMPTOM CHART - 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 .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column shaft/coupling Steering linkage	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Steering column shaft/U-joints Steering gear Steering gear mounts	GO to PINPOINT TEST C .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding steering column shaft/coupling U-joints	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Suspension components	To continue the suspension diagnosis, REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
	Binding steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Binding dash boot seal	INSTALL a new dash boot seal. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
	Steering gear turn tube banjo bolts/dampers	INSTALL new banjo bolt/dampers. REFER to Steering Gear Turn Tubes Removal and Installation in POWER STEERING .
	Steering gear	The steering gear cannot be adjusted. INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING .