Pinpoint Test D: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

D1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to CLOCKSPRING .
- 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 that the steering column bearing rotates freely.
- Are the steering column bearing and intermediate shaft U-joints OK?
Yes: GO to D2.

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 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
D2 CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS
- Check that the front ball joints move freely and are not binding or sticking. Refer to BALL JOINT INSPECTION .
- Are the front ball joints OK?
Yes: GO to D3.

No: INSTALL new ball joint(s) as necessary. REFER to INSTALLATION (4x2) or INSTALLATION (4x4) .
D3 MONITOR 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?
Yes: If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm changes, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

If left-to-right variation is present, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm does not change, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

No: CARRY OUT the Pump Flow and Pressure Test. REFER to COMPONENT TESTS .