INSPECTION PROCEDURE 2: Difficult Steering Wheel Operation (Insufficient Power Assist): Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

STEP 1. Check the power steering oil pump drive belt tension.
Refer to DRIVE BELTS .

Q: Is the power steering oil pump drive belt tension within the standard value?

YES : Go to Step 2.

NO : Adjust the tension (Refer to DRIVE BELTS ). Then go to Step 10.
STEP 2. Check the drive belt for damage.
Q: Is the drive belt damaged?

YES : Replace the drive belt. Then go to Step 10.

NO : Go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check the fluid level.
1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface, and then start the engine.
2. Turn the steering wheel several times to raise the temperature of the fluid to approximately 50 - 60°C (122 - 140°F).
3. With the engine running, turn the wheel all the way to the left and right several times.
4. Check the fluid in the oil reservoir for foaming or milkiness. Check the difference of the fluid level when the engine is stopped, and while it is running. If the change of the fluid level is 5 mm (0.2 inch) or more, bleed the air from the system (Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM AIR BLEEDING ).
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level
  Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Q: Is the fluid foamy?

YES : Go to Step 4.

NO : Go to Step 10.
STEP 4. Check for entry of air.
Q: Has air entered?

YES : Bleed the air (Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM AIR BLEEDING ). Then go to Step 10.

NO : Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check each hose for crushing or twisting.
Q: Is any hose crushed or twisted?

YES : Repair or replace the hose. Then go to Step 10.

NO : Go to Step 6.
STEP 6. Check for oil leaks.
Q: Are there oil leaks?

YES : Repair it. Then go to Step 10.

NO : Go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Check the wheel alignment (camber and caster).
Refer to FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK AND ADJUSTMENT .

Q: Is the alignment incorrect?

YES : Repair it. Then go to Step 10.

NO : Go to Step 8.
STEP 8. Check the gear box rack piston seal for damage.
Q: Is there damage?

YES : Replace it. Then go to Step 10.

NO : Go to Step 9.
STEP 9. Check for excessive tie rod end ball joint breakaway torque.
Refer to TIE ROD END BALL JOINT DUST COVER CHECK .

Q: Is there fault?

YES : Replace the part. Then go to Step 10.

NO : Go to Step 10.
STEP 10. Check the steering wheel operation.
Verify that the steering wheel operation is not difficult.

Q: Is the steering wheel operation difficult?

YES : Repeat from Step 1.

NO : The procedure is complete.