- 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 that could affect the operation of the power steering system.
^ Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions that 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:
^ Power Steering Fluid Leaks Power Steering Fluid Leaks
^ Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise From the Power Steering System
^ Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System Whine or Growl Noise From the Power Steering System
^ Steering Effort Hard in One or Both Directions Steering Effort Hard In One or Both Directions
^ Steering Effort Too Easy in One or Both Directions Steering Effort Too Easy In One or Both Directions