Hard Steering

Front tire(s) improperly inflated.

Inflate tire(s) correctly.

Improperly adjusted, improperly lubricated or damaged steering gear.

Adjust, lubricate (check for damaged boots), or replace steering gear.

Worn or binding lower control arm ball stud(s).

Replace lower control arm(s) ball stud(s).

Worn or binding inner or outer tie rod(s).

Replace inner or outer tie rod end(s).

Worn or binding upper strut mount(s).

Replace mount(s).

Worn or binding intermediate shaft joint(s).

Replace intermediate shaft.

Accessory drive belt loose.

Check accessory drive belt tension.

Power steering fluid level low.

Add power steering fluid.

Insufficient power steering pump pressure.

Repair or replace power steering pump.

Restricted or leaking power steering hoses.

Replace hoses or tighten hose connections.

High internal leakage in steering gear.

Replace steering gear.

Binding within steering column.

Correct condition.

Poor return of steering wheel to center.

Front tire(s) improperly inflated.

Inflate tire(s) correctly.

Improperly adjusted, improperly lubricated, or binding steering gear.

Adjust, lubricate (check for damaged boots), or replace steering gear.

Worn or binding inner or outer tie rod end(s).

Replace inner or outer tie rod end(s).

Worn or binding upper strut mount(s).

Replace mount(s).

Worn or binding intermediate shaft joint(s).

Replace intermediate shaft.

Binding within steering column.

Correct condition.

Excessive free play in steering.

Wheel bearing(s) worn.

Replace wheel bearing(s).

Steering gear mounting bolt(s) loose.

Tighten bolt(s).

Steering gear out of adjustment or worn.

Adjust or replace steering gear.

Worn inner or outer steering tie rod(s).

Replace tie rod(s).

Lower control arm ball stud(s) worn.

Replace lower control arm(s) ball stud(s).

Front stabilizer bar bushings worn.

Replace bushings.

Rattle and/or clunking noise in steering

Inner or outer tie rod end(s) worn.

Replace inner or outer tie rod end(s).

Steering gear out of adjustment or worn.

Adjust or replace steering gear.

Intermediate shaft joint(s) worn.

Replace intermediate shaft.

Steering gear mounting bolt(s) loose.

Tighten bolt(s).

Worn wheel bearing(s).

Replace wheel bearing(s).

Momentary increase in steering effort when steering wheel is turned quickly with system at warm operating temperature.

High internal leakage in steering gear.

Replace steering gear.

Low power steering fluid level.

Correct power steering fluid level.

Insufficient pump pressure.

Repair or replace power steering pump.

Steering wheel surges or jerks when turning at low speeds.

Insufficient power steering pump pressure.

Repair or replace power steering pump.

High internal leakage in steering gear.

Replace steering gear.

Loose accessory drive belt.

Check accessory drive belt tension.

Insufficient system pressure - caused by pump.

Flow control valve stuck or inoperative.

Free or replace flow control valve.

Pressure plate not flat against pump ring.

Correct condition.

Worn pump ring.

Replace pump ring.

Scored pressure plate, thrust plate, or rotor.

Replace components.

Vane(s) sticking in rotor slot(s).

Clean rotor/vanes or replace component(s).

Cracked or broken thrust or pressure plate.

Replace components.

Insufficient system pressure - caused by steering gear.

Leaking steering gear piston seals or inner rack seal.

Replace steering gear.

Growling noise in power steering pump.

Excessive back pressure in hoses or steering gear caused by restriction.

Eliminate restriction.

Scored pressure plate, thrust plate, or rotor.

Replace component(s)

Worn pump ring.

Replace pump ring.

Air in power steering fluid.

Add power steering fluid and bleed system.

Pump mounting loose.

Tighten pump mounting.

Rattling noise in power steering pump.

Vane(s) sticking in rotor slot(s).

Clean rotor/vanes or replace component(s).

Swishing noise in power steering pump.

Damaged flow control valve.

Replace flow control valve.

Whining noise in power steering pump.

Pump shaft being scored.

Replace pump.