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Power Steering System

TROUBLESHOOTING POWER STEERING SYSTEMS

 

The Possible Cause

The Corrective Action

 

HARD STEERING

  
Improper tire pressure  Inflate tires to recommended pressures.
Loose pump drive belt   Tighten or replace belt.
Low or incorrect fluid Fill reservoir with proper fluid; check for leaks.
Loose, bent or poorly lubricated front end parts Tighten or replace parts; lubricate at all fittings.
Improper front end alignment Align front end.
Bind in steering column or linkage Disassemble and inspect component parts.  Repair or replace as necessary.
Air in hydraulic system Bleed system, refill and check for leaks.
Low pump output or leaks in system Disassemble pump, check for worn or damaged parts.  Check for leaks in the system.
Obstruction in lines Clean or replace lines.
Pump valves sticking or out of adjustment Replace or adjust valves
LEAKING HOSES AND SEALS  
Too much fluid in Pump reservoir Remove oil to proper level.
Damaged or improperly installed "O" ring in Pump Reservoir Replace or adjust.
Loose pump fittings or studs Re-torque to specifications.
Defective pump and seals Replace.
Cracks in hose or splits in fittings Replace hose assembly.
LOOSE STEERING  
Loose wheel bearings Adjust wheel bearings.
Faulty shocks Replace shocks.
Worn linkage components Replace worn components.
Loose steering gear mounting or linkage points Tighten mountings or linkage.
Steering mechanism worn or improperly adjusted Replace and/or adjust mechanism.
Valve spool improperly adjusted Adjust valve spool.
NOISES  
Loose belts Replace and/or adjust belts
Low fluid, air in system Refill and check for leaks.
Foreign matter in system Disassemble and clean system.
Improper lubrication Lubricate all fittings.
Interference or chafing in linkage Disassemble, inspect, replace or adjust components.
Steering gear mountings loose Tighten mountings.
Incorrect adjustment or wear in gear box Disassemble, inspect, repair, replace and/or adjust parts.
Faulty valves or wear in pump Replace parts as necessary.
VEER OR WANDER  
Improper tire pressure Inflate tires to recommended pressures.
Improper front end alignment Align front end.
Dragging brakes Inspect, replace and/or adjust brakes
Bent frame Straighten frame.
Improper rear end alignment Inspect shocks and control arm torque.  Replace and/or adjust as necessary.
Faulty shocks or springs Replace as necessary.
Loose or bent front end components Replace as necessary.
Play in Pitman arm Inspect bushings and arm. Replace as necessary.
Loose wheel bearings Adjust to specifications.
Binding Pitman arm Replace arm.
Spool valve sticking or improperly adjusted Adjust or replace as necessary.
WHEEL OSCILLATION  
Improper tire pressure Inflate tires to recommended pressures.
Loose wheel bearings Adjust to specifications.
Improper front end alignment Align front end.
Bent spindle Replace spindle.
Worn, bent or broken front end components Inspect, repair or replace as necessary.
Tires out of round or out of balance Replace or balance tires.
Excessive lateral runout in disc brake rotor Reface or replace rotor.

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