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Problem Symptoms Table

HINT: 

Use the table below to help determine the cause of problem symptoms. If multiple suspected areas are listed, 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

Symptom Suspected Area See
Heavy steering Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) Refer to INSPECTION
Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) Refer to ADJUSTMENT
Front suspension (Lower ball joint) Refer to INSPECTION
Steering intermediate shaft -
Steering column Refer to REMOVAL
Steering gear (for 2WD) Refer to REMOVAL
Steering gear (for 4WD) Refer to REMOVAL
Power steering ECU Refer to REMOVAL
Poor return Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) Refer to INSPECTION
Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) Refer to ADJUSTMENT
Steering column Refer to REMOVAL
Steering gear (for 2WD) Refer to REMOVAL
Steering gear (for 4WD) Refer to REMOVAL
Power steering ECU Refer to REMOVAL
No free play or excessive play Steering intermediate shaft -
Steering gear (for 2WD) Refer to REMOVAL
Steering gear (for 4WD) Refer to REMOVAL
Knocking (or cranking) sound occurs when steering wheel turned while power steering is in operation Steering intermediate shaft -
Front suspension (Lower ball joint) Refer to INSPECTION
Front axle hub (Hub bearing) Refer to ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
Steering gear (for 2WD) Refer to REMOVAL
Steering gear (for 4WD) Refer to REMOVAL
Friction sound occurs when steering wheel turned during low-speed driving Power steering motor -
Steering column Refer to REMOVAL
High-pitched sound (squealing sound) occurs when steering wheel turned slowly with vehicle stopped Power steering motor -
Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when steering wheel turned while vehicle stopped Power steering motor -
Steering column Refer to REMOVAL