Workshop Manual

POWER–ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM
2A–5
Power Steering System
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One
of the most common is a hissing sound when the steering
wheel is fully turned and the car is not moving. This noise
will be most evident when the steering wheel is operated
while the brakes are applied. There is no relationship
between this noise and steering performance. Do not
replace the valve unless the “hissing” noise is extremely
objectionable. A replacement valve will also have a slight
noise, and is not always a cure for the condition.
Condition Possible cause Correction
Rattle or Chucking Noise
Pressure hose touching other parts
of vehicle.
Adjust hose position. Do not bend
tubing by hand.
Tie rod ends loose. Tighten or replace tie rod end.
Loose steering unit mounting. Tighten steering unit mounting.
Poor Return of Steering Wheel to
Center
Improper front wheel alignment. Adjust front wheel alignment.
C
en
t
er
Wheel bearing worn. Replace front wheel bearing.
Tie rod end binding. Replace tie rod end.
Ball joint binding. Replace ball joint.
Tight or frozen steering shaft
bearing.
Replace steering assembly.
Sticky or plugged steering unit valve. Flush or replace steering unit.
Entry of air in the power steering
system.
Bleed the system.
Momentary Increase In Effort When
Turning Wheel Fast To Right or Left
High internal leakage. Repair steering gear.
T
urn
i
ng
Wh
ee
l
F
as
t
T
o
Ri
g
ht
or
L
e
ft
Power steering fluid level low. Replenish fluid.
Steering Wheel Surges or Jerks
When Turning Especially During
Insufficient pump pressure. Repair pump assembly.
Wh
en
T
urn
i
ng
E
spec
i
a
ll
y
D
ur
i
ng
Parkin
g
Sticky steering unit valve. Flush or replace steering unit.
Parking
Power steering fluid level low. Replenish fluid.
Excessive Wheel Kick Back or Loose
Steering
Air in system. Bleed hydraulic system.
St
eer
i
ng
Tie rod end loose. Tighten tie rod end.
Wheel bearing worn. Replace wheel bearing.
Hard Steering or Lack or Power
Assist
Sticky steering unit valve. Flush or replace steering unit.
A
ss
i
s
t
Insufficient pump pressure. Repair pump assembly.
Excessive internal pump leakage. Repair pump assembly.
Excessive internal steering gear
leakage.
Repair steering gear.
Power steering fluid level low. Replenish fluid.
Unstable Engine Idling or Stalling
When Turning
Pressure switch of the power
steering pump or its harness is faulty.
Repair or replace.