Diagnosis By Symptom

HISSING NOISE
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound when the steering wheel is turned and the vehicle is not moving. This noise will be most evident when turning the wheel while the brakes are applied. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance. Do not replace the valve and pinion unless the "hissing" noise is extremely objectionable.

A replacement valve and pinion will also have a slight noise, and is not always a cure for the condition. Check that the intermediate shaft joints are not loose.

RATTLE OR CHUCKING NOISE
Inspect for:
^ Power steering hose or line grounding out.
^ Tie rod ends loose.
^ Loose steering gear mounting.
^ Rack bearing preload loose.
^ Intermediate shaft boot mispositioned.

POOR RETURN OF STEERING WHEEL TO CENTER
Inspect for:
^ Front-wheel alignment.
^ Hub and bearing assembly worn.
^ Intermediate shaft binding or loose.
^ Tie rod end binding.
^ Ball joint binding.
^ Tight or frozen steering shaft bearings.
^ Rack bearing preload.
^ Sticky or plugged valve and pinion.
^ Intermediate shaft boot mispositioned.

MOMENTARY INCREASE IN EFFORT WHEN TURNING WHEEL FAST TO RIGHT OR LEFT (ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD)
Inspect for:
^ High internal leakage in gear or pump.
^ Hose pinched or restricted.
^ Sticking flow control valve.
^ Low fluid level in pump reservoir.

STEERING WHEEL SURGES OR JERKS WHEN TURNING WITH ENGINE RUNNING (ESPECIALLY DURING PARKING, OR COLD)
Inspect for:
^ Belt slipping.
^ Insufficient pump pressure.

EXCESSIVE WHEEL KICKBACK OR LOOSE STEERING
Inspect for:
^ Air in system.
^ Steering gear attachments loose.
^ Intermediate shaft loose.
^ Tie rod ends loose.
^ Hub and bearing assembly worn.
^ Rack bearing preload.

HARD STEERING OR LACK OF ASSIST (ESPECIALLY DURING PARKING)
Inspect for:
^ Loose or worn intermediate shaft.
^ Loose belt.
^ Insufficient pump pressure.
^ High internal leakage in gear or pump.