DEFINITION: Excessive pedal pressure required to stop (Hard Pedal)

The power steering pump is loose or broken.

Tighten the belt and the mounting hardware. Replace the power steering pump. Refer to the appropriate power steering system:

The brake power steering pump output pressure is low.

Install the gauge in the inlet line to the booster. The gauge should read at least 4137 kPa (600 psi) before the pedal becomes hard to push.

The drive belt on the power steering pump is loose.

Tighten the belt. Refer to Power Steering System in Power Steering.

The fluid level in the power steering pump is low.

Fill the power steering pump to the proper level with power steering fluid. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

Air is present in the fluid.

Locate the air leak and correct the leak. Bleed the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

An internal booster or power steering pump problem exists.

1. Test the internal booster and the power steering pump.
2. Repair or replace the faulty unit.