Troubleshooting - General Troubleshooting (Hard Steering)
11-21flowchartGeneral Troubleshooting
Check the following before you begin:
- Has the suspension been modified in a way that would affect steering?
- Are tire size and air pressure correct?
- Is the steering wheel original equipment or equivalent?
- Is the power steering pump belt properly adjusted?
- Is steering fluid reservoir filled to proper level?
- Is the engine idle speed correct and steady?
1
Hard Steering
Assist in one direction only, little or no assist in the other.
Assist in one direction only, little or no assist in the other.
Remove the control valve and check the pinion pin for free movement. If OK check the control valve for free movement (page 11-49). Repair as necessary.
2
Little or no assist in both directions with car parked.
3
Check for bubbles in power steering fluid.
bubbles
If there are bubbles, check the reservoir input side hose and pump front seal for air leaks. Repair as necessary.
no bubbles
4
If there are no bubbles, check if assist improves when engine RPM is increased to 3000.
assist improves
If assist improves, check the pump flow control valve for internal leaking, and clean or replace as necessary (page 11-49). If the valve is OK, replace the steering pump.
If assist improves, check the pump flow control valve for internal leaking, and clean or replace as necessary (page 11-49). If the valve is OK, replace the steering pump.
assist does not improve
5
If assist does not improve, check fluid pressure, using power steering gauge with shut-off valve closed (page 11-27).
Fluid pressure 7845-8826 kPa (80-90 kg/cm2, 1138-1280 psi)
Fluid pressure 7845-8826 kPa (80-90 kg/cm2, 1138-1280 psi)
Steering effort above 18 N (1.8 kg, 4.0 lbs). Check the cut-off valve for sticking or a clogged orifice; clean or replace the valve as necessary (page 11-48). If the cut-off valve is OK, check the pinion pin for free movement. If seized or binding overhaul the steering gearbox.
6
Fluid pressure below 7845 kPa (80 kg/cm2, 1138 psi).
7
Check the pump flow control valve for internal leaking, and clean or replace as necessary (page 11-41). If the valve is OK, replace the pump.