Hard Steering

Front tires improperly inflated

Inflate tires 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 studs.

Replace lower control arms.

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 steering shaft boot.

Correct condition.

Poor return of steering wheel to center

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 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 steering shaft boot.

Correct condition.

Incorrect front wheel caster.

Perform alignment.

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.

Intermediate steering shaft joints worn.

Replace intermediate steering shaft.

Inner or outer steering tie rods worn.

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 tie rod ends.

Steering gear out of adjustment or worn.

Adjust or replace steering gear.

Worn or loose steering gear right-hand bushing.

Repair 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.