Feature | Probable Cause | Elimination method |
Increased steering wheel play | Loose joint in universal joint | 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 is difficult to turn | Insufficient belt tension | Adjust belt tension |
Belt damage | Replace belt | |
Add liquid | Low fluid level | |
Air in liquid | Remove air from liquid | |
Pinched or damaged hoses | Position correctly or replace | |
Insufficient pressure generated by the pump | Repair or replace the pump | |
Stuck pressure control valve | Replace | |
Feature | Probable Cause | Elimination method |
Steering wheel is difficult to turn | 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 | |
Steering wheel does not return properly | Tie rod end ball joint torque too high | Replace tie rod end |
Too tight universal joint | Adjust | |
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 | |
Kinked or damaged hoses | Replace hoses | |
Damaged pressure control valve | Replace | |
Damaged power steering pump shaft bearing | Replace | |
Steering noise | 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 while the vehicle is stationary. This sound will be most obvious when turning the steering wheel with the brake pedal depressed. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance. Do not replace the valve if «hissing» the noise does not become extreme. The new valve will also make a little noise. | |
Rumbling sound in steering gear | Backlash between hoses and car body | Route and secure hoses properly |
Steering gear not secured | Fasten steering gear | |
Tie rod end and/or ball joint loose | Tighten connections | |
Worn tie rod end and/or ball joint | Replace | |
Power steering pump noise | Low fluid level | Add liquid |
Air in liquid | Remove the air | |
Pump mounting bolts loose | Tighten the bolts |