| Sign | Probable cause | Method of elimination |
| Increased steering wheel free play | The connection in the universal joint is loose | 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 | Insufficient belt tension | Adjust the belt tension |
| Belt damage | Replace the belt | |
| Add liquid | Low fluid level | |
| Air in liquid | Remove air from the liquid | |
| Hoses are pinched or damaged | Place correctly or replace | |
| Insufficient pressure generated by the pump | Repair or replace the pump | |
| Pressure regulating valve sticking | Replace | |
| Sign | Probable cause | Method of elimination |
| The steering wheel turns with difficulty | 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 |
| Universal joint too tight | Adjust | |
| 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 kinked or damaged | Replace the hoses | |
| The pressure regulating valve is damaged | 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 sound when the steering wheel is turned while the vehicle is stationary. This sound will be most obvious when turning the steering wheel while the brake pedal is depressed. There is no relationship between this noise and the steering operation. 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 not secured | Secure the steering gear | |
| Tie rod end and/or ball joint not secured | 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 | |
