Steering Systems

Chapter 44

Steering system problem diagnosis

Steering system maintenance
Steering column service
Manual steering gearbox service
(recirculating-ball type)
Steering linkage service
Manual rack-and-pinion service
Power steering system service

Symptoms of steering problems include play

in the steering wheel, hard steering, and
abnormal noises when turning
Inspect and test the steering system to find
the source of the trouble

Steering System Problems

Steering Wheel Play

Amount that you can turn the steering

wheel without front wheel movement
Caused by worn ball sockets, a worn idler
arm, or too much clearance in the steering
gearbox
Compare the play to service manual
specifications

e.g. 1 1/2 (33 mm)

Dry Park Test

With the vehicle on the ground, rotate the

steering wheel back and forth while
someone watches for part wear

Steering Inspection

Raise the vehicle on a lift. Wiggle the

tires back and forth while watching
for steering play

Hard Steering

Caused by problems with the steering

gear, power steering components, ball
sockets, and the suspension system
Check the power steering pump belt for
condition and tension
If the belt is slipping, hard steering could
result
Check for cracks and glazing and compare
tension to specs

Steering System Noise

Noise can be a sign of worn parts, dry

bearings or ball sockets, loose parts,
slipping belts, or low power steering fluid
level
Belt squeal and power steering pump
noise both occur when the steering wheel
is turned
Pump noise can result from low fluid level
or aerated fluid

Maintenance involves checking for low fluid

level, incorrect belt adjustment, system leaks,
and other problems
Ball socket lubrication may be necessary

Checking the Fluid

Check most systems at operating

temperature, with the engine off

Servicing the Belt

When changing a
belt, pry on a
recommended
point and adjust
tension to specs

Service is needed after a collision or when

internal parts of the column fail
Most repairs can be done without column
removal

Steering Column

Steering Wheel Removal

Remove the horn button and steering shaft

nut
Scribe alignment marks on the steering
wheel and the steering shaft
Mount a wheel puller over the steering
wheel
Screw the bolts into the threaded holes in
the steering wheel

Steering Wheel Removal

Tighten the puller down against the steering

shaft to remove the wheel

Steering Wheel Installation

When installing the steering wheel, match

any alignment marks
Many steering shafts use a master spline
so that the wheel only installs in one
position
Ignition lock, turn signal mechanism, and
horn and cruise control slip rings are all
accessible below the steering wheel

Service involves the adjustment or the

replacement of worn parts (bearings,
seals, and bushings)
Gearbox repair or overhaul may be
necessary when adjustment will not
provide proper operation

Gearbox Adjustment

Two basic adjustments are performed on

manual recirculating-ball gearboxes:
Worm bearing preload

preloads the bearings to ensure that the worm

shaft is held snugly in the housing

Over-center clearance

controls the amount of lash between the

pitman shaft gear and the teeth on the ball nut

Gearbox Adjustment

Worm Bearing Preload

Adjustment

Disconnect the pitman arm

Loosen the pitman shaft over-center locknut
and adjusting screw
Using a torque wrench or spring scale, turn
the steering wheel slowly from side-to-side

Worm Bearing Preload

Adjustment

Compare the required

force to specs

If needed, tighten
or loosen the
adjustment nut

Over-Center Clearance
Adjustment

Center the steering gear in its travel

Preload is produced in the center of travel to
avoid steering wheel play during straightahead driving

Over-Center Clearance
Adjustment

Loosen the locknut and bottom the

adjustment screw lightly

Over-Center Clearance
Adjustment

Use a torque wrench or spring scale to

measure the amount of force needed to
move the shaft back and forth through
center
Tighten or loosen the adjusting screw until
the amount of force needed to move the
shaft is within specs
Tighten the locknut after adjustment and
recheck the required force

Over-Center Clearance
Adjustment

When your inspection finds worn steering

linkage parts, new parts must be installed

Steering System Inspection

Idler Arm Service

Idler arm wear will cause play in the

steering wheel
To check an idler arm, force it up and
down using a spring scale
When the specified force is applied to the
spring scale each way, note the idler arm
movement and compare to specs

e.g. at 20 lbs (9.0 kg) of force, maximum 1/4

(6.5 mm) travel

Idler Arm Service

To replace the idler arm, remove the cotter

pin and castle nut
Use a fork tool or puller to force the ball
stud out of the hole in the center link
Unbolt the idler arm from the frame
Install the new part
Torque the idler arm to specifications
Install a new cotter pin

Tie-Rod End Service

Tie-rod end wear will cause steering play

To remove a tie-rod end, separate the tie-rod
end from the steering knuckle or center link

Tie-Rod End Service

Use a fork or puller to separate the tie-rod

end from the steering knuckle

Tie-Rod End Service

Loosen the adjusting sleeve, and count the

number of turns required to remove the tierod from the sleeve

Tie-Rod End Service

Install the new part the exact same

number of turns
Install the tie-rod ball stud into the center
link or steering knuckle
Tighten all of the fasteners to specs and
install a new cotter pin
Check toe adjustment with an alignment
machine

Service involves the adjustment or the

replacement of worn bearings, seals, and
bushings
Hoses, a pump, a power piston, and a
control valve are added

these parts can require repair or replacement

Power Steering Leaks

To check for leaks, wipe fluid-soaked

areas clean
Have a helper idle the engine and turn the
steering wheel to the right and left
Watch for leaks as the wheels are turned,
raising system pressure

Leakage Points
(Rack-and-Pinion)

Leakage Points
(Linkage System)

Servicing Hoses

Always check hose condition when

servicing a power steering system
High-pressure hoses are exposed to
tremendous pressures

over 1000 psi (6895 kPa)

When installing a new hose, start fittings

by hand
Use a tubing wrench to tighten the hose
fittings properly

Pump Replacement

Bolts, hoses, and

brackets that must be
removed when
replacing a pump

Pump Service

During a pump rebuild, clean and inspect

all the parts
Check the pump vanes, thrust plate, and
pump ring (included in a pump rebuild kit)
Replace all o-rings, gaskets, and seals
Lubricate the components with fluid and
reassemble the pump

Bleeding the System

When hydraulic components are serviced,

bleed any air out of the system
Idle the engine and turn the steering wheel
fully from side to side
Check the fluid level often
Cycling the system will force air from the
steering gear, back to the reservoir

Electronic Assist Steering

Service

Refer to service manual diagrams, part

locations, and electrical value charts
Use a scan tool to check for diagnostic
trouble codes
Check scan data for input and output data
that could help isolate a problem
Perform pinpoint tests with a multimeter to
verify the source of any problems