Pinpoint Test F: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy
- F1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the steering column shaft. refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article .
- Check the steering column and steering column shafts for grounding.
- Disconnect the upper steering column shaft at the steering column.
- Verify that the steering column shaft universal joints do not bind and move freely and that the steering column bearing rotates freely.
- Are the steering column bearing and intermediate shaft universal joints OK?
- Yes : GO to F2.
- No
: If the steering column or the steering column shafts are grounding, repair as necessary.
If the steering column bearings or the steering column shafts are binding, INSTALL a new steering column shaft or steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
- F2 CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS
- Check that the front ball joints move freely and are not binding or sticking. refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM article .
- Are the front ball joints OK?
- Yes : GO to F3.
- No : INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM article .
- F3 MONITOR ENGINE RPM CHANGES NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is on a flat dry surface.
- Key in START position.
- Turn the steering wheel once to the left stop position and then to the right stop position.
- Note the engine rpm during the turns.
- Does the engine rpm change when turning the steering wheel?
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.- Yes
If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm changes, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to STEERING GEAR .
If left-to-right variation is present, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to STEERING GEAR .
If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING PUMP .
- No : INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING PUMP in the section.