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Pinpoint Test A: Steering Has Lack Of Assist Or Inconsistent Assist

  1. A1 CHECK THE STEERING ASSIST WITH THE ENGINE RPM RAISED 
      CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
    • Set the engine at 2,100 RPM and turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right.
    • Is steering assist normal with the engine RPM raised. 
    1. YES  : INSTALL a new power steering pump. Refer to the appropriate Steering System article for the procedure.
    2. NO  : Go to  A2.
  2. A2 CHECK FOR A CHANGE OF ASSIST ON LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS 
    • With the engine at idle, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right.
    • Does the steering assist change when turning from right to left. 
    1. YES  : INSTALL a new steering gear. Refer to the appropriate Steering System article for the procedure.
    2. NO  : Go to  A3.
  3. A3 CHECK THE STEERING LINES AND HOSES FOR RESTRICTIONS 
    • Inspect the steering lines and hoses for damage, kinks or restrictions.
    • Are the steering lines or hoses damaged, kinked or restricted. 
    1. YES  : INSTALL new lines or hoses as necessary.
    2. NO  : Go to  A4.
  4. A4 MONITOR THE ENGINE RPM CHANGES 
    CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
    NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is on a flat, dry surface, all accessories are in the OFF position and that the steering system is at normal operating temperature.
    • Connect the diagnostic tool.
    • Start the engine.
    • With the engine at idle, raise the power steering fluid temperature to 74-80°C (165-176°F) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
    • While monitoring the engine RPM with the scan tool, turn the steering wheel quickly to the left stop position and then to the right stop position.
    • Note the engine RPM during the turns.
    • Does the engine RPM change (even temporarily) more than 30 RPM when turning the steering wheel? 
    1. YES  : INSTALL a new steering gear. Refer to the appropriate Steering System article for the procedure.
    2. NO  : INSTALL a new power steering pump. Refer to the appropriate Steering System article for the procedure.
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