Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart:

3. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
^ Aeration or foam: Purge the power steering system.
^ Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system.

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

Check the fluid level and clean the power steering components.

With the ignition OFF:
^ Check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary.
^ Wipe off any visible signs of fluid or residue build up.

^ CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for more than 3-5 seconds. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times.
5. Visually inspect the power steering hydraulic line/hose connections for leaks.
^ If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting or clamp plate joint or banjo bolt fitting, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the O-rings, Teflon �seals or banjo bolt washer seals. Install new O-rings, Teflon seals or banjo bolt washer seals as necessary.
^ If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting. Make sure 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, verify that the hose is fully installed on the hose fitting before tightening the screw clamp. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp.
^ If a leak is detected at the power steering pressure switch, install a new switch.
6. Visually inspect the power steering components for leaks.
^ If a leak is detected in the power steering pressure line or return hose, install a new hose.
^ If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump.

^ NOTE: On vehicles with rack and pinion steering gear, it may be necessary to remove the bellows boot clamp from the steering gear bellows boot to inspect for internal steering gear leaks.

If a leak is detected in the steering gear, install a new steering gear.
^ If a leak is detected in the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir.
7. For information on power steering leak detection, refer to Component Tests. Component Tests and General Diagnostics
8. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding.
9. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Tools For Steering System Noise Diagnosis

Combination Engine EAR/Chassis EAR
An electronic listening device used to quickly identify noise and the location under the chassis while the vehicle is being road tested. The Chassis EAR can identify the noise and location of damaged/worn steering components, wheel bearings, CV joints, brakes, springs, axle bearings or driveshaft carrier bearings.

Engine EAR Basic Unit
An electronic listening device used to detect even the faintest noises, the Engine EAR can detect the noise of damaged/worn bearings in generators, coolant pumps, A/C compressors and power steering pumps. It is also used to identify noisy lifters, exhaust manifold leaks, chipped gear teeth and for detecting wind noise. The Engine EAR has a sensing tip, amplifier and headphones. The directional sensing tip is used to listen to the various components. Point the sensing tip at the suspect component and adjust the volume with the amplifier. Placing the tip in direct contact with a component will reveal structure-borne noise and vibrations, generated by or passing through, the component. Various volume levels can reveal different sounds.