Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify the customer concern.

Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.

VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

Mechanical
Fluid level Tire pressure Tires Drive belt Drive belt tensioner Steering column alignment Tie rod ends Suspension components Steering column shaft U-joints Intermediate shaft bolts Power steering reservoir baffle Power steering reservoir filter Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings Power steering return hoses and clamps Steering gear Power steering pump

NOTE: The 3 areas that should be inspected for possible contamination are the power steering reservoir filter, flow control and pressure relief valve in the pump, and the check valve in the inlet port on the power steering gear (if equipped).

Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
- Aerated or foamy: Purge the power steering system. refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING .
- Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM FILLING .
Check the power steering system for fluid leaks.
- Check the power steering fluid level.
  NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.
  
  With the ignition OFF:
- Wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose, power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler, hose assembly and steering gear.
- Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times and check for leaks.
- If a fluid leak from the steering line-to-steering gear clamp plate is evident. Refer to STEERING GEAR .
Inspect the power steering pressure and return hoses, fittings and O-rings for leaks.
- If a leak is detected at a power steering pressure or return hose, install a new hose. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L SOHC and POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.6L (2V) .
- If a leak is detected between a fitting nut, seal the fitting nut using a Teflon® joint seals.
- If a leak is detected at a fitting or clamp plate, tighten to specification. If leak is still evident, visually inspect the fittings, clamp plate, O-rings, and Teflon® seals. Install new as necessary. Refer to STEERING GEAR .
- If a leak is detected at a fitting or clamp plate, tighten to specification. If leak is still evident, visually inspect the fittings, clamp plate, O-rings, and Teflon® seals. Install new as necessary. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L SOHC or POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.6L (2V) .
- If a leak is detected at the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L SOHC or POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.6L (2V) .
- If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is fully installed on the fitting and that the hose clamp is correctly positioned. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp.
- If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, tighten the screw clamp. If the leak remains, inspect the tube end and install a new hose. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L SOHC or POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.6L (2V) .
- If a leak is detected at the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.0L SOHC or POWER STEERING PUMP - 4.6L (2V) .

NOTE: It may be necessary to remove the squeeze type clamp from the steering gear boots, to inspect for leaks.

Fig 1: Potential Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear Leak Points

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. If a leak is detected at the power steering gear, install a new power steering gear. Refer to STEERING GEAR .
External Leak Check - Potential Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear Leak Points
If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to SYMPTOM CHART