Trouble shooting - power steering systems
the possible cause followed by the corrective action
hard steering
(1) improper tyre pressures (1) inflate tires to recommended pressures
(2) loose pump drive belt (2) tighten or replace belt
(3) low or incorrect fluid (3) refill reservoir with proper fluid check for leaks.
(4) loose, bent or poorly lubricated front end parts (4) tighten or replace parts: Lubricate all fittings
(5) improper front end alignment (5) align front end
(6) partial seizure in steering column or linkage (6) disassemble and inspect component parts. Repair or replace as necessary
(7) air in hydraulic system (7) bleed system. Refill and check for leaks
(8) low pump output or leaks in system (8) disassemble pump. Check for worn or damaged parts. Check for leaks in the system.
(9) obstruction in lines (9) clean or replace lines
(10) pump valves sticking or out of adjustment (10) replace or adjust valves
(11) steering rack / box worn out (11) re-engineer
leaking hoses and seals
1 too much fluid in pump reservoir (1) remove oil to proper level
2 damaged or improperly installed (2) replace or adjust o ring in pump reservoir
3 loose pump fittings or studs (3) re-torque to specifications
4 defective pump and seals (4) replace
5 cracks in hose or splits in fittings (5) replace hose assembly
tight / loose steering / valve assembly out of hydraulic balance
1 loose wheel bearings (1) adjust wheel bearings
2 faulty shocks (2) replace shocks
3 worn linkage components (3) replace worn components
4 loose steering gear mountings or linkage points(4) tighten mountings or linkage
5 steering rack / box worn or improperly adjusted (5) replace and/or adjust unit
6 torsion bar bent due to impact (6) replace rack / box
noises
1 loose belts (1) replace and/or adjust belts
2 low fluid, air in system (2) refill and check for leaks
3 foreign matter in system (3) disassemble and clean system
4 improper lubrication (4) lubricate all fittings
5 interference or seizing in linkage in linkage (5) disassemble, inspect, replace or adjust components
6 steering gear mountings loose (6) tighten mountings
7 incorrect adjustment or wear in rack or box(7) disassemble, inspect, repair, replace and/or adjust parts
8 wear in pump (8) replace pump as necessary
veer or wander
(1) improper tyre pressure (1) inflate tyres to recommended pressures
(2) improper front end alignment (2) align front end
(3) binding brakes (3) inspect replace and/or adjust brakes
(4) front cradler loose or accident damage (4) straighten frame
(5) improper rear end alignment (5) inspect shocks and control arm torque replace and/or adjust as necessary
(6) faulty shocks or springs (6) replace as necessary
(7) loose or bent front end components (7) replace as necessary
(8) play in pittman drop arm (8) inspect bushings and arm. Replace as necessary
(9) loose wheel bearings (9) adjust to specifications
(10) pit-man drop arm ball joint seizure (10) replace arm
wheel oscillation
(1) improper tyre pressures (1) inflate tires to recommended pressures
(2) loose wheel bearings (2) adjust to specifications
(3) improper front end alignment (3) align front end
(4) worn tie rods (4) track rod ends
(5) worn, bent or broken front end components (5) inspect, repair or replace as necessary
(6) tires out of round or out of balance (6) replace or balance tires
(7) excessive lateral run-out in disc brake, disc or rotor (7) reface or replace brake disk or rotor
