Inspection and Verification
Steering System
Inspection and Verification
NOTICE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may result.
NOTE: The FEPS system does not affect power steering system noise.
NOTE: Make the following preliminary checks before repairing the steering system:
1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
Visual Inspection Chart:
3. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
- Aeration or foam: Purge the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Purging Power Steering System Purging.
- Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Flushing Power Steering System Flushing.
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.
- NOTICE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump may 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, clamp plate joint or banjo bolt fitting, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the O-rings, Teflon(R) seals or banjo bolt washer seals. Install new O-rings, Teflon(R) 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 positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose. 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 and the clamp is positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose 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 line, install a new line.
- 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 to the next step.
9. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
10. NOTE: The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.
If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:
- check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM.
- refer to Information Bus, No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no communication with the scan tool.
11. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
- refer to Information Bus to diagnose no response from the PCM.
12. Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Information Bus.
- If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory DTCs.
13. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the Steering Effort Control Module (SECM).
14. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the Steering Effort Control Module (SECM) DTC Chart. For all other DTCs, refer to Body Control Systems. Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
15. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart - Steering System or GO to Symptom Chart - NVH. Symptom Chart - Steering System Symptom Chart - NVH
B1317-B2477 / C192A-C1956 / U0073-U2050:
Steering System Symptom Definitions
Drift/Pull
Pull is described as a tugging sensation felt by the hands on the steering wheel that must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight.
Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with the hands off the steering wheel.
- A vehicle-related drift/pull on a flat road can cause a consistent deviation from the straight-ahead path and require constant steering input in the opposite direction to counteract the effect.
- Drift/pull can be induced by conditions external to the vehicle, such as wind or road camber.
Excessive Steering Wheel Play
Excessive steering wheel play is a condition in which there is too much steering wheel movement before the wheels move. A small amount of steering wheel free play is considered normal.
Lack of Assist or Inconsistent Assist
Lack of assist or inconsistent assist is experienced when the steering wheel effort is higher than normal. Hard steering can remain constant through the full turn or occur near the end of a turn. It is important to know the difference between hard steering/lack of assist and poor returnability/sticky steering.
Hard steering or lack of assist can result from either hydraulic electrical (Fuel Efficient Power Steering (FEPS) system) or mechanical conditions. It is extremely important to know if this concern occurs during driving or during high-effort parking maneuvers.
Poor Returnability/Sticky Steering
Poor returnability and sticky steering is used to describe the poor return of the steering wheel to center after a turn or steering correction is completed.
Shimmy
Shimmy, as felt by the driver, is large, consistent, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel resulting from large, side-to-side (lateral) tire/wheel movements.
Shimmy is usually experienced near 64 km/h (40 mph), and can begin or be amplified when the tire contacts pot holes or irregularities in the road surface.
Wander
Wander is the tendency of the vehicle to require frequent, random left and right steering wheel corrections to maintain a straight path down a level road.