CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
9. Binding lower control arm ball
joint.
9. Replace the lower control arm.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.
10. Replace power steering gear.
11. Worn/binding seat and bearing in
front strut assembly.
11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
STIFF, HARD TO TURN,
SURGE, MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN EFFORT
WHEN TURNING.
1. Tires not properly inflated. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Low power steering fluid level. 2. Add power steering fluid as required to
power steering fluid reservoir to obtain
proper level. Check for leaks.
3. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.
3. Tighten the power steering pump drive
belt to specifications. If drive belt is worn or
glazed, replace belt.
4. Lack of lubrication in lower control
arm ball joints.
4. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated-for-life type ball joint. If ball joint
is a lubricated-for-life ball joint, replace
lower control arm.
5. Low power steering pump
pressure (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).
5. Replace the power steering pump as
necessary.
6. High internal leak in power
steering gear (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).
6. Replace power steering gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT RETURN TO
CENTER POSITION.
1. Tires not inflated properly. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust wheel alignment as
necessary.
3. Lack of lubrication/binding in front
lower control arm ball joints.
3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint, then
inspect ball joint for wear, replace lower
control arm as necessary. If ball joint is a
lubricated for life ball joint, replace lower
control arm.
4. Steering column coupling joints
misaligned.
4. Realign steering column coupling joints.
5. Steering wheel rubbing.** 5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column
coupler to dash seal.**
6. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash
seal.
7. Binding seat and bearing in front
strut assembly.
7. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
19 - 6 STEERING LH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)