Pinpoint Test E: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy
- E1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
- Check the steering column and intermediate shaft for grounding.
- Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft at the steering column.
- Verify that the intermediate shaft u-joints do not bind and move freely, and the steering column bearing rotates freely.
- Are the steering column bearing and intermediate shaft u-joints OK?
Yes : GO to E2 .
No : If the steering column or the intermediate shaft are grounding, REPAIR as necessary. If the steering column bearings or the intermediate shaft are binding, INSTALL a new intermediate shaft or steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN .
- E2 CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS
- Check that the front ball joints move freely and are not binding or sticking. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Are the front ball joints OK?
Yes : GO to E3 .
No : INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION .
- E3 MONITOR ANY ENGINE RPM CHANGES NOTE: Make sure 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 POWER STEERING .
If left-to-right variation is present, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING .
If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm does not change, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING .
If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING .
No : GO to E4 .
- E4 CHECK THE VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING (VAPS) SYSTEM
- Carry out the PUMP FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST .
- Does the pump flow and pressure test pass?
Yes : Go To PINPOINT TEST C .
No : INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING .