Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Inspection and Verification
1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually inspect as illustrated for obvious signs of mechanical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart:

Visual Inspection Chart

3. NOTE: The 3 areas that should be inspected for possible contamination are the power steering reservoir filter, flow control and pressure relief valve in the pump, and the check valve in the inlet port on the power steering gear (if equipped).

Inspect the power steering fluid for these conditions:
^ Aerated or foamy: Purge the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Purging.
^ Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Flushing.
4. Check the power steering system for fluid leaks.

^ NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.

Check the power steering fluid level.
^ With the ignition OFF:
- Wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose, power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler, hose assembly and steering gear.

- CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times and check for leaks.
- If a fluid leak from the steering line-to-steering gear clamp plate is evident, tighten to specification.
5. Inspect the power steering pressure and return hoses, fittings and O-rings for leaks.

If a leak is detected at a power steering pressure or return hose, install a new hose.

If a leak is detected between a fitting nut, seal the fitting nut using a Teflon O-ring seal.

^ If a leak is detected at a fitting or clamp plate, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the fittings, clamp plate, O-rings and Teflon O-ring seals. Install new components as necessary.

^ If a leak is detected at the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir.

^ If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is fully installed on the fitting and that the constant tension spring clamp is correctly positioned. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
^ If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, tighten the screw clamp. If the leak remains, inspect the tube end and install a new hose.
^ If a leak is detected at a crimp clamp joint, install a new crimp clamp with a screw clamp. If the leak remains, inspect the tube end and install a new hose.
^ If a leak is detected at the power steering pump from other than the hose connections, install a new power steering pump.

6. NOTE: It may be necessary to remove the squeeze-type clamp from the steering gear boots to inspect for leaks.

Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. If a leak is detected at the power steering gear, install a new power steering gear.

External Leak Check-Potential Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear Leak Points:

External Leak Check-Potential Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear Leak Points

7. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
8. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures