STEERING SYSTEM PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE
Tech Tips
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.
| Symptom | Suspected Area | See page |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy steering | Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) | |
| Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) | ||
| Front suspension (Lower ball joint) | ||
| Steering intermediate shaft | - | |
| Steering column | ||
| Steering gear | ||
| Power steering ECU | ||
| Poor return | Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) | |
| Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) | ||
| Steering column | ||
| Steering gear | ||
| Power steering ECU | ||
| No free play or excessive play | Steering intermediate shaft | - |
| Steering gear | ||
| Knocking (or clunking) sound occurs when steering wheel turned while power | Steering intermediate shaft | - |
| steering in operation | Front suspension (Lower ball joint) | |
| Front axle hub (Hub bearing) | ||
| Steering gear | ||
| Friction sound occurs when steering wheel turned during low-speed driving | Steering column assembly | |
| High-pitched sound (squealing sound) occurs when steering wheel turned slowly with vehicle stopped | Steering column assembly | |
| Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when steering wheel turned while | Steering column assembly | |
| vehicle stopped | Steering column assembly |