- Symptoms

Symptoms - Power Steering System

Important: The following steps must be completed before using the symptom tables.

1. Determine if the vehicle is equipped with an electrically assisted variable effort system. Perform electrical diagnosis before proceeding with mechanical diagnosis. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Variable Effort Steering.

2. Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions.

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 the power steering reservoir for the proper
power steering fluid level and condition.

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:
- Objectionable Hiss in the Power Steering System Objectionable Hiss In the Power Steering System
- Growl Noise in Steering Pump Groan Noise In Steering Pump
- Increase in Effort While Turning Steering Wheel Increase In Effort While Turning Steering Wheel
- Poor Return of Steering Wheel Poor Return of Steering Wheel
- Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning Steering Wheel Surges/Jerks While Turning
- Steering Wheel Kickback Steering Wheel Kickback
- Too Much Play in Steering Too Much Play In Steering
- Erratic Steering When Braking Erratic Steering When Braking
- Foaming, Milky-Appearing Power Steering Fluid Foaming Milky-Appearing Power Steering Fluid
- Wander or Poor Steering Stability Wander or Poor Steering Stability