Symptoms - Power Steering System

Symptoms - Power Steering System

Note: Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Power Steering System Description and Operation (Power Steering System).

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.
* If equipped with hydraulic power steering, inspect for leaking power steering components. If necessary, refer to Power Steering Fluid Leaks (Power Steering Fluid Leaks).
* If equipped with hydraulic power steering, verify the power steering fluid level is correct. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid).
* If equipped with hydraulic power steering, inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:

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

* If the hydraulic power steering system is contaminated, 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 (Electronic Power Steering) (Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System (Electronic Power Steering))Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering) (Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering))
* Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (Electronic Power Steering) (Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (Electronic Power Steering))Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering) (Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering))
* Poor Return of Steering Wheel (Poor Return of Steering Wheel)
* Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning (Electronic Power Steering) (Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning (Electronic Power Steering))
* Steering Wheel Kickback (Electronic Power Steering) (Steering Wheel Kickback (Electronic Power Steering))
* Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy in One or Both Directions (Electronic Power Steering) (Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy in One or Both Directions (Electronic Power Steering))Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy in One or Both Directions (Hydraulic Power Steering) (Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy in One or Both Directions (Hydraulic Power Steering))