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Symptom Troubleshooting Index

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Find the symptom in the chart below, and do the related procedures in the order listed until you find the cause.

Symptom Procedure(s) Also check for
Hard steering  Troubleshoot the system
  • Modified suspension
  • Damaged suspension
  • Incorrect tire sizes, tire varieties, and air pressure
Assist (excessively light steering at high speed) Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ). Front wheel alignment (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT )
Shock or vibration when the steering wheel is turned to full lock
  1. Check the drive belt for slippage (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION ).
  2. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with T/N 07406-0010001  , T/N 07406-001000A or T/N 07406-001A101 
  3. Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ).
  4. Replace the valve body unit step  16
  
Steering wheel will not return smoothly
  1. Check cylinder lines for deformation 
  2. Check the ball joints for binding.
  3. Check wheel alignment (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).
  4. Overhaul the steering gearbox 
 Damaged suspension
Uneven or rough steering
  1. Check for low fluid level  in the power steering reservoir due to possible leaks in system (see Fluid Check/Replacement ).
  2. Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION ).
  3. Check for low or erratic engine idle speed (see IDLE SPEED INSPECTION ).
  4. Check for air in the power steering system due to air entering the inlet side of the pump.
  5. Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ).
  6. Replace the valve body unit (see step  16
  
Steering wheel kicks back during wide turns
  1. Check for low fluid level  in the power steering reservoir due to possible leaks in the system (see Fluid Check/Replacement ).
  2. Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION ).
  3. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure with T/N 07406-0010001  , T/N 07406-001000A or T/N 07406-001A101  .
  
Humming noise from the power steering system
  1. Check when the noise occurs:
    • If the noise is heard during the first 2-3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather, this is normal.
    • If the noise is heard when the wheel is turned with the vehicle stopped, this is normal due to the fluid pulsation.
  2. Check for air bubbles in the power steering fluid, leak on the inlet side of the pump.
  3. Check for particle contamination of fluid and a restricted filter in the reservoir.
  4. Check for the high-pressure hose touching the subframe or body.
  5. Check for automatic transmission torque converter noise.
  • Pump pressure
  • Fluid contamination

  • Restriction in the high-pressure line
  • Restriction in the low-pressure line
Power steering rack rattle or chattering
  1. Check for loose steering components (tie-rod and ball joints). Tighten or replace as necessary.
  2. Check the steering column shaft for wobbling. If the steering column wobbles, replace the steering column assembly (see STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
  3. Check the power steering pump pulley:
    • If the pulley is loose, tighten it (see step  35
    • If the pump shaft is loose, replace the pump 
  4. Check the rack guide adjustment (see RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT ).
  
Hissing from the power steering system/foaming fluid
  • Air in the power steering fluid
  • Fluid contamination
Noise from the power steering pump
  • Compare the pump noise at normal operating temperature to another like vehicle (pump noise during the first 2-3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather is normal).
  • Remove and inspect the pump for wear and damage 
  • Pump pressure
  • Air in the power steering fluid
Squeaking from the power steering pump Check the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT INSPECTION ).  
Fluid leaks from the steering gearbox Fluid contamination
Fluid leaks from the power steering line
  • Fluid leaks from the cylinder line connections (flare nuts). Tighten the connection  , and retest.
  • Fluid leaks from a damaged cylinder line(s). Replace the cylinder line (s) 
  • Fluid leaks from the pump outlet hose or return line fitting on the valve body unit (flare nuts). Tighten the fitting, and retest. If it still leaks, replace the hose, the line  , or Replace the valve body unit (see step  16 as necessary.
 Fluid contamination
Fluid leaks from the power steering pump Fluid contamination
Fluid leaks from the power steering reservoir
  • Fluid leaks from around the reservoir cap because fluid level is too high. Drain the reservoir to the proper level  . If the fluid is foaming, check for an air leak on the inlet side of the pump.
  • Fluid leaks from the reservoir. Check the reservoir for cracks, and replace as necessary.
 Fluid contamination
Fluid leaks from the power steering pump outlet hose (high-pressure)
  • Check the fitting for loose bolts. If the bolts are tight, replace the fitting O-ring 
  • Fluid leaks at the swaged joint. Replace the pump outlet hose 
 Fluid contamination
Fluid leaks from the power steering pump inlet hose (low-pressure) Check the hose for damage, deterioration, or improper assembly  . Replace or repair as necessary. Fluid contamination
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