-Symptoms - Power Steering System

Symptoms - Power Steering System

Begin the system diagnosis by reviewing the system Description and Operation. Refer to Power Steering System Description and Operation (w/o Electro-Hydraulic Steering) (Power Steering System Description and Operation (w/o Electro-Hydraulic Steering)). Reviewing the Description and Operation information will help you determine the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists. Reviewing the Description and Operation information will also help you determine if the condition described by the customer is normal operation. Refer to Symptoms - Power Steering System in order to identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.

Important: Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Power Steering System Description and Operation (w/o Electro-Hydraulic Steering) (Power Steering System Description and Operation (w/o Electro-Hydraulic Steering)).


Visual/Physical Inspection

* Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the power steering system.
* Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
* Inspect for leaking power steering components. If necessary, refer to Power Steering Fluid Leaks (Power Steering Fluid Leaks).
* Verify the power steering fluid level per operating specification. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid).
* Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:

- Milky fluid - water
- Brown fluid - burnt
- Debris in fluid - plastic or dirt

* If necessary, flush the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Flushing (Power Steering System Flushing).

Symptoms List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:

* Power Steering Fluid Leaks (Power Steering Fluid Leaks)
* Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System (Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System)
* Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System)
* Steering Effort Hard in One or Both Directions (Steering Effort Hard In One or Both Directions)
* Steering Effort Too Easy in One or Both Directions (Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures)