Problem Symptoms Table

HINT:

Use the table below to help determine the cause of the problem symptom. The potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.

Steering system

PROBLEM SYMPTOMS REFERENCE

Symptom	Suspected area	Refer To
Hard steering	1. Front tires (improperly inflated, unevenly worn)	TIRE AND WHEEL SYSTEM
	2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)	FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
	3. Front suspension (Lower ball joint)	FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT
	4. Steering intermediate shaft	STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
	5. Steering column	STEERING SYSTEM
	6. Steering gear	STEERING GEAR
	7. Power steering ECU	STEERING CONTROL ECU
Poor return	1. Front tires (improperly inflated, unevenly worn)	TIRE AND WHEEL SYSTEM
	2. Front Wheels Alignment (Incorrect)	FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
	3. Steering column	STEERING SYSTEM
	4. Steering gear	STEERING GEAR
	5. Power steering ECU	STEERING CONTROL ECU
No free play or excessive play	1. Steering intermediate shaft	STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
No free play or excessive play	2. Steering gear	STEERING GEAR
Knocking (or clanking) sound occurs when turning steering wheel back and forth while power steering is in operation.	1. Steering intermediate shaft	STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
	2. Front suspension (Lower ball joint)	FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT
	3. Front axle hub (Hub bearing)	FRONT AXLE HUB
	4. Steering gear	STEERING GEAR
Friction sound occurs when turning steering wheel during low speed driving.	1. Power steering motor	STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
	2. Steering column	STEERING SYSTEM
High-pitched sound (squealing sound) occurs when turning steering wheel slowly with vehicle stopped.	1. Power steering motor	STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when turning steering wheel from lock to lock.	1. Power steering motor	STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
	2. Steering column	STEERING SYSTEM