Symptom Chart - Steering System

SYMPTOM CHART - STEERING SYSTEM

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Steering has lack of assist or inconsistent assist	Contaminated power steering fluid Steering gear Power steering pump Restricted power steering lines/hoses	Go to Pinpoint Test A .
Excessive steering wheel play	Steering gear Steering column shaft/U-joints Steering linkage	Go to Pinpoint Test B .
Steering system drift/pull/wander	Steering column shaft/U-joints Steering gear mounts Steering gear valve	Go to Pinpoint Test C .
Poor returnability/sticky steering	Binding steering column shaft/U-joints	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
-	Loose, worn or damaged steering linkage	Go to Steering Linkage in COMPONENT TESTS .
-	Binding suspension components	To continue the suspension diagnosis, REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
-	Binding steering column bearing(s)	INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
-	Binding dash boot seal	INSTALL a new dash boot seal. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
-	Steering gear	INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to POWER STEERING article.