Sign | Probable cause | Method of elimination |
| Increased steering wheel free play | The steering gear is not securely fastened | Tighten it up |
| Steering gear bolts not tightened securely | Tighten the bolts | |
| Excessive play or wear in the tie rod end | Replace the tie rod end | |
| The steering wheel turns with difficulty | Power steering pump drive belt slipping | Adjust the belt tension |
| The power steering pump drive belt is damaged | Replace the belt | |
| Low fluid level | Add liquid | |
| Air in liquid | Remove air | |
| Hoses are dirty or damaged | Replace the hoses | |
| Insufficient pressure generated by the pump | Repair or replace the pump | |
| Pressure regulating valve sticking | Replace | |
| Internal leaks in the power steering pump | Replace damaged parts | |
| Excessive fluid leakage from the rack and pinion into the steering gear housing | Replace damaged parts | |
| Damage to the steering gear housing or pressure control valve | Replace damaged parts | |
| The steering wheel does not return to its original position properly | Tie rod end ball joint turning torque too high | Replace the tie rod end |
| The steering rack is too tight | Adjust the tension | |
| The inner tie rod joint or ball joint is difficult to turn | Lubricate or replace the ball joint | |
| The steering gear mount in the bracket is loose | Tighten it up | |
| The steering shaft joints or body seal ring are worn out | Replace | |
| The steering gear is damaged | Replace the steering gear | |
| The steering gear pinion bearing is damaged | Replace | |
| Hoses are dirty or damaged | Replace the hoses | |
| Damage to the pressure regulating valve | Replace | |
| The power steering pump shaft bearing is damaged | Replace | |
| Extraneous noise when operating the steering wheel | Hissing sound in steering gear All power steering systems produce some additional noise. One of the most common is a hissing noise when the steering wheel is turned with the vehicle stationary. This noise will be most noticeable when turning the steering wheel while the brake pedal is depressed. There is no relationship between this noise and the operation of the steering. Do not replace the valve unless the "hissing" noise becomes extreme. A new valve will also make a slight noise. | |
| Rattling sound in steering gear | Play between the hoses and the car body | Route and secure hoses properly |
| The steering gear is loose. Secure the steering gear | Secure the steering gear | |
| Loose tie rod end and/or ball joint | Tighten the connections | |
| Worn tie rod end and/or ball joint | Replace | |
| Noise in the power steering pump | Low fluid level | Add liquid |
| Air in liquid | Remove air | |
| The pump mounting bolts are not tightened | Tighten the bolts | |
Warning! A low noise should be heard immediately after starting the engine at an air temperature of -20°C. This is due to the properties of the fluid used in the power steering and is not a sign of a malfunction.