Mechanical Power Steering System: General: Troubleshooting

PROBLEM SYMPTOM TABLE - MECHANICAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM

Symptom	Probable cause	Remedy
Excessive play in steering wheel	Loose universal joint Loose steering gear mounting bolts Loose or worn tie rod end	Retighten Retighten Retighten or replace as necessary
Steering wheel operation is not smooth (Insufficient power assist)	V-belt slippage Damaged V-belt Low fluid level Air in the fluid Twisted or damaged hoses Insufficient oil pump pressure Sticky flow control valve Excessive internal oil pump leakage Excessive oil leaks from rack and pinion in gear box Distorted or damaged gear box or valve body seals	Readjust Replace Replenish Bleed air Correct the routing or replace Repair or replace the oil pump Replace Replace the damaged parts Replace the damaged parts Replace
Steering wheel does not return properly	Excessive turning resistance of tierod end Universal joint excessively tight Inner tie rod and/or ball joint cannot turn smoothly Loose mounting of gear box mounting bracket Worn steering shaft joint and/or body grommet Distorted rack Damaged pinion bearing Twisted or damaged hoses Damaged oil pressure control valve Damaged oil pump Input shaft bearing	Replace Adjust Replace Retighten Correct or replace Replace Replace Reposition or replace Replace Replace
Noise	Hissing Noise in Steering Gear There is some noise with all power steering systems. Oe of the most common is a hissing sound when the steering wheel is turned and the car is not moving. This noise will be most evident when turning the wheel while the brakes are being applied. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance. Do not replace the valve unless the hissing noise becomes extreme. A replaced valve will also make a slight noise, and is not always a solution for the condition.
Rattling or chucking noise in the rack and pinion	Interference with hoses from vehicle body Loose gear box bracket Loose tie rod end and/or ball joint Worn tie rod and/or ball joint	Reposition Retighten Retighten Replace
Noise in the oil pump	Low fluid level Air in the fluid Loose pump mounting bolts	Replenish Bleed air Retighten

NOTE: A slight "grinding noise" may be heard immediately after the engine is started in extremely cold weather conditions (below -20°C). This is due to power steering fluid characteristics in extreme cold conditions and is not an indication of a malfunction.