Hard Steering

Front tires improperly inflated

Inflate tires correctly.

Improperly adjusted, lubricated, or damaged steering gear

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

Worn or binding lower control arm ball studs

Replace lower control arms.

Worn or binding inner or outer tie rods

Replace inner or outer tie rod ends.

Worn or binding upper strut mounts

Replace mounts.

Worn or binding intermediate steering shaft joints

Replace intermediate steering 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.

Faulty EVO actuator

Replace EVO actuator.

Restricted or leaking power steering hoses

Replace hoses or tighten hose connections.

Internal leakage in steering gear

Replace steering gear.

Excessive front wheel caster

Perform alignment.

Binding within steering column or intermediate shaft boot

Correct condition.

Poor return of steering wheel to center

Front tires improperly inflated

Inflate tires correctly.

Improperly adjusted, lubricated, or binding steering gear

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

Incorrect front wheel caster

Perform alignment.

Worn or binding inner or outer tie rod ends

Replace inner or outer tie rod ends.

Worn or binding upper strut mounts

Replace mounts.

Worn or binding intermediate steering shaft joints

Replace intermediate steering shaft.

Binding within steering column or intermediate shaft boot

Correct condition.

Excessive free play in steering

Wheel bearings worn

Replace wheel bearings.

Steering gear mounting bolts loose

Tighten bolts.

Steering gear out of adjustment or worn

Adjust or replace steering gear.

Worn inner or outer steering tie rods

Replace tie rods.

Lower control arm ball studs worn

Replace lower control arms.

Front stabilizer shaft bushings worn

Replace bushings.

Rattle and/or clunking noise in steering

Inner or outer tie rod ends worn

Replace inner or outer tie rod ends.

Steering gear out of adjustment or worn

Adjust or replace steering gear.

Intermediate steering shaft joints worn

Replace intermediate steering shaft.

Steering gear mounting bolts loose

Tighten bolts.

Worn wheel bearings

Replace wheel bearings.

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

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.

Damaged EVO actuator

Replace actuator.

EVO electrical circuit malfunction

Correct condition.

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.

EVO system malfunction

Refer to EVO system diagnosis.

Pressure plate not flat against pump ring

Correct condition.

Worn pump ring

Replace pump ring.

Scored pressure plate, thrust plate, or rotor

Replace components.

Vanes sticking in rotor slots

Clean rotor/vanes or replace

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 components.

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

Vanes sticking in rotor slots

Clean rotor/vanes or replace components.

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.