STEERING SYSTEM PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE

Tech Tips

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 Link
Heavy steering Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn)

Click here

Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)

Click here

Steering system joints (Worn) -
Steering column

Click here

Torque sensor (Built into steering column) -
Power steering motor

Click here

Speed sensor

Click here

Battery and power source system -
Power steering ECU power source voltage and relay

Click here

Power steering gear

Click here

Power steering ECU

Click here

Skid control ECU -
Front suspension (Lower ball joint)

Click here

Poor return Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn)

Click here

Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)

Click here

Steering column

Click here

Power steering gear

Click here

Power steering ECU

Click here

No free play or excessive play Steering intermediate shaft -
Front suspension (Lower ball joint)

Click here

Intermediate shaft, universal joint, sliding yoke (Worn) -
Front axle hub (Hub bearing)

Click here

Power steering gear

Click here

Knocking (or cranking) sound occurs when steering wheel turned while power steering in operation Steering intermediate shaft -
Front suspension (Lower ball joint)

Click here

Front axle hub (Hub bearing)

Click here

Power steering gear

Click here

Friction sound occurs when steering wheel turned during low-speed driving Power steering motor

Click here

Steering column

Click here

High-pitched sound (squealing sound) occurs when steering wheel turned slowly with vehicle stopped Steering column

Click here

Power steering motor

Click here

Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when steering wheel turned while vehicle stopped Power steering motor

Click here

Steering column

Click here