Preliminary Inspection

• 1.
  
  Verify the customer concern.

• 2.
  
  Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage or leaks.

Visual Inspection Check 

• 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 screen
• Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
• Power steering return hoses and clamps
• Steering gear
• Power steering pump
• Power steering fluid cooler (if equipped)

• 3.
  
  Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
  • Aeration or foam: Purge the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Purging .
  • Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Flushing .

• 4.
  
  
  NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.

  Check the fluid level and clean the power steering components. With the ignition OFF:

  • check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Automatic Transmission Fluid (WSS-M2C938-A;MERCON ® LV)
  • wipe off any visible signs of fluid or residue build up.
  • NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

    Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times.

• 5.
  
  Visually inspect the power steering hydraulic line/hose connections for damage or leaks.
  • If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting or clamp plate joint, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the O-rings or Teflon ® seals. Install new O-rings or Teflon ® seals as necessary.
  • If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting. Make sure that the constant tension spring clamp is positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
  • If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, verify that the hose is not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting and the clamp is positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose before tightening the screw clamp. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp.

• 6.
  
  Visually inspect the power steering components for leaks.
  • If a leak is detected in the power steering pressure line or return hose, install a new hose.
  • If a leak is detected in the steering gear turn tubes, repair or install new turn tubes.
  • If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to: Power Steering Pump - 3.5L EcoBoost (235kW/320PS)/3.7L Duratec (199kW/270PS) . or REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 3.2L Duratorq-TDCi (148kW/200PS) - Puma .
  • NOTE: On vehicles with rack-and-pinion steering gear, it may be necessary to remove the bellows boot clamp from the steering gear bellows boot to inspect for internal steering gear leaks.

    If a leak is detected in the steering gear, repair or install a new steering gear. Refer to: Steering Gear .

• 7.
  
  For information on power steering leak detection, refer to Component Tests .

• 8.
  
  If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding.

• 9.
  
  If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to SYMPTOM CHART - Steering System  or GO to SYMPTOM CHART - NVH .