Inspection Procedure 2: Difficult Steering Wheel Operation (Insufficient Power Assist)
Inspection Procedure 2: Difficult Steering Wheel Operation (Insufficient Power Assist)DIAGNOSIS
STEP 1. Check the drive belt for damage.
Q: Is the drive belt damaged?
YES: Replace the drive belt. And then go to Step 9.
NO: Go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check the power steering oil pump drive belt tension.
Q: Is the power steering oil pump drive belt tension within the standard value?
YES: Go to Step 3.
NO: Adjust the tension. And then go to Step 9.
STEP 3. Check the fluid level.
1) Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface, and then start the engine.
2) Turn the steering wheel several times to raise the temperature of the fluid to approximately 50 - 60° C (122 - 140° F).
3) With the engine running, turn the wheel all the way to the left and right several times.
4) Check the fluid in the oil reservoir for foaming or milkiness. Check the difference of the fluid level when the engine is stopped, and while it is running. If the fluid contains air or has milky appearance, or the fluid level fluctuate by 5 mm (0.2 inch) or more, power steering system air bleeding should be done.
Q: Is the check result OK?
YES: Go to Step 4.
NO: Bleed the air. And then go to Step 9.
STEP 4. Check each hose for crushing or twisting.
Q: Is any hose crushed or twisted?
YES: Repair or replace the hose. Then go to Step 9.
NO: Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check for oil leaks.
Q: Are there oil leaks?
YES: Find the cause of the oil leakage and repair it. Then go to Step 9.
NO: Go to Step 6.
STEP 6. Check the wheel alignment (camber and caster).
Q: Is the wheel alignment incorrect?
YES: Adjust wheel alignment. Then go to Step 9.
NO: Go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Check the gear box rack piston seal for damage.
Q: Is there damage?
YES: Replace it. And then go to Step 9.
NO: Go to Step 8.
STEP 8. Check for excessive tie rod end ball joint breakaway torque.
Q: Is the breakaway torque out of specification?
YES: Replace the tie rod end. Then go to Step 9.
NO: Go to Step 9.
STEP 9. Check the steering wheel operation.
Verify that the steering wheel operation is not difficult.