sign | Probable Cause | Elimination Method |
Increased steering wheel play | Steering gear not securely fixed | Tighten |
Steering gear bolts not securely tightened | Tighten the bolts | |
Large play or wear on the tie rod end | Replace tie rod end | |
Steering wheel turns hard | Power steering pump drive belt slipping | Adjust belt tension |
Damaged power steering pump drive belt | Replace belt | |
Low fluid level | Add liquid | |
Air in liquid | Remove the air | |
Dirty or damaged hoses | Replace hoses | |
Insufficient pressure generated by the pump | Repair or replace the pump | |
Stuck pressure control valve | Replace | |
Internal leaks in the power steering pump | Replace damaged parts | |
Excessive seepage of fluid from the rack and pinion into the steering gear case | 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 torque too high | Replace tie rod end |
Steering gear rack too tight | Adjust tension | |
Tie rod inner joint or ball joint is difficult to turn | Lubricate or replace ball joint | |
Loose steering gear bracket | Tighten | |
Worn steering shaft joints or body O-ring | Replace | |
Steering gear damaged | Replace steering gear | |
Damaged steering gear bearing | Replace | |
Dirty or damaged hoses | Replace hoses | |
Pressure control valve damage | Replace | |
Damaged power steering pump shaft bearing | Replace | |
Extraneous noise during steering operation | Hissing sound in steering gear All power steerings make extra noise. One of the most common is a hissing sound when the steering wheel is turned on a stationary vehicle. This noise will be most obvious when turning the steering wheel with the brake pedal depressed. There is no relationship between this noise and the operation of the steering. Do not replace the valve if "hissing" the noise does not become extreme. The new valve will also make a little noise. | |
Rattling sound in steering gear | Backlash between hoses and car body | Route and secure hoses properly |
Loose steering gear Secure steering gear | Fasten steering gear | |
Loose tie rod end and/or ball joint | Tighten 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 the air | |
Pump mounting bolts loose | Tighten the bolts |
Warning! A slight 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 does not indicate a malfunction.