High (Excessive) Steering Gear (3504) Efforts at All Vehicle Speeds is a Condition Recognized While Turning Corners and During Low Speed Maneuvers and Especially While Parking. The Assist Concerns May Occur in Both Directions or Only in One Direction, They May be Intermittent, or Consistent
NOTE:
Discolored Steering Fluid in a Rack-and-Pinion Steering System Should Not be Misdiagnosed as a Functional or Noise Concern.
Possible Source(s):
Low power steering pump (3A674) fluid.
Action(s) to Take:
Fill as required and check for system leaks.
Possible Source(s):
Steering gear assembly external or internal leak.
Action(s) to Take:
Replace steering gear assembly. Refer to «Section 11-02».
Possible Source(s):
Power steering pump external leak.
Action(s) to Take:
Refer to «Section 11-02».
Possible Source(s):
Power steering pump pressure and flow improper.
Action(s) to Take:
Perform «pump flow and relief pressure» tests. Service as required.
Possible Source(s):
VAPS (Variable Assist Power Steering) system malfunction.
Action(s) to Take:
Refer to VAPS system diagnostic procedure in «Section 11-02».
Possible Source(s):
Improper drive belt (8620) tension.
Action(s) to Take:
Check for proper drive belt tension.
Possible Source(s):
Hose external leak.
Action(s) to Take:
Service or replace as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
Hose restriction.
Action(s) to Take:
Clean and replace as necessary.
Possible Source(s):
Power steering pump pulley (3A733) loose/warped.
Action(s) to Take:
Replace power steering pump pulley. Refer to «Section 11-02».
Possible Source(s):
Power steering pump drive belt loose/glazed/broken or water on drive belt.
Action(s) to Take:
Inspect, adjust drive belt tension or replace as required.
Possible Source(s):
Engine idle too low.
Action(s) to Take:
Adjust idle.
Possible Source(s):
Tires not properly inflated.
Action(s) to Take:
Inflate.
Possible Source(s):
Suspension bent or interference.
Action(s) to Take:
Inspect service or REPLACE as necessary. Refer to «Section 04-00».
Possible Source(s):
System contaminated.
Action(s) to Take:
Inspect system for foreign object, kinked hose, etc.
-- Flush system
-- Refer to power steering pump, «Section 11-02».
Possible Source(s):
Valve screen plugged.
Action(s) to Take:
Prior to rebuilding a power steering pump, examine the valve screen for contamination. Replace all valves which have plugged or contaminated valve screens.
Possible Source(s):
Flex coupling rubbing against housing face.
Action(s) to Take:
Reposition flex coupling.
Possible Source(s):
Steering column tube (3514) misaligned or binding.
Action(s) to Take:
Align steering column tube assembly.
