Dodge Intrepid - Diagnosis and Testing - Steering Diagnosis Charts

NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 8275 to 8975 kPa (1250 to 1350 psi.).
• Power steering pump pressures above specifica-
tions but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other,
replace pump.
• Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other
but below specifications, replace pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against
the stops for more than 2 to 4 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
(12) Completely open the valve on the Power
Steering Analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to the
extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is
met, then turn the steering wheel to the right until
the right stop is met. Record the highest indicated
pressure at each position. Compare the recorded
readings to the specifications. If the highest recorded
output pressure reading against one stop is not
within 345 kPa (50 psi) of the highest recorded read-
ing at the other stop, the steering gear is leaking
internally and must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover POWER STEERING NOISE, STEERING
WHEEL FEEL, and POWER STEERING FLUID.
POWER STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONABLE HISS
OR WHISTLE*
1. Damaged or mispositioned steering
column shaft/coupling dash panel seal.
1. Reposition or replace steering column
shaft/coupling dash panel seal.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. 2. Replace power steering gear.
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Power steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.
1. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to the
specified torque.
2. Front suspension crossmember
mounting fasteners loose at frame.
2. Tighten the front suspension
crossmember mounting fasteners to the
specified torque.
3. Loose tie rod (outer or inner). 3. Check tie rod pivot points for wear.
Replace worn/loose parts as required.
4. Loose lower control arm mounting
bolts at front suspension
crossmember.
4. Tighten control arm mounting bolts to
the specified torques.
5. Lower control arm pivot bushing
worn.
5. Replace lower control arm pivot
bushing.
6. Lower control arm tension strut
bushing worn.
6. Replace lower control arm tension strut
bushing.
7. Loose strut assembly mounting
fasteners at tower.
7. Tighten strut assembly fasteners to the
specified torque.
8. Power steering fluid pressure hose
touching the body of the vehicle.
8. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
fitting to specified torque. Do not bend
tubing.
9. Internal power steering gear noise. 9. Replace power steering gear.
10. Damaged front suspension
crossmember.
10. Replace front suspension
crossmember.
11. Stabilizer bar link ball joints worn. 11. Replace stabilizer bar link.
19 - 4 STEERING LH
STEERING (Continued)