Inspection Procedure 2

INSPECTION PROCEDURE 2: Difficult Steering Wheel Operation (Insufficient Power Assist)

DIAGNOSIS

STEP 1. Check the power steering oil pump drive belt tension.

[1][2]Drive Belt Tension Check and Adjustment [2.4L Engine], On-vehicle service - Drive belt tension check [1][2]Drive Belt Tension Check and Adjustment [3.8L Engine].

Q. Is the power steering oil pump drive belt tension within the standard value?

YES Go to Step 2.
NO Adjust the tension [1][2]Drive Belt Tension Check and Adjustment [2.4L Engine], On-vehicle service - Drive belt tension check [1][2]Drive Belt Tension Check and Adjustment [3.8L Engine]). Then go to Step 10 .
STEP 2. Check the drive belt for damage.

Q. Is the drive belt damaged?

YES Replace the drive belt Service and Repair [2.4L Engine], Engine assembly Removal and Replacement [3.8L Engine]). Then go to Step 10.
NO Go to Step 3.
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 (Refer to Service and Repair).

Q. Is the fluid foamy?

YES Go to Step 4.

NO Go to Step 10 .

STEP 4. Check for entry of air.

Q. Has air entered?

YES Bleed the air (Refer to Service and Repair). Then go to Step 10
.
NO Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Check each hose for crushing or twisting.

Q. Is any hose crushed or twisted?

YES Repair or replace the hose (Refer to Service and Repair). Then go to Step 10.
NO Go to Step 6.
STEP 6. Check for oil leaks.

Q. Are there oil leaks?

YES Find the cause of the oil leakage and repair it. Then go to Step 10.
NO Go to Step 7.
STEP 7. Check the wheel alignment (camber and caster).

Service and Repair.

Q. Is the wheel alignment incorrect?

YES Adjust wheel alignment (Refer to Service and Repair). Then go to Step 10.
NO Go to Step 8.
STEP 8. Check the gear box rack piston seal for damage.

Q. Is there damage?

YES Replace it (Refer to Power Steering Gear Box and Linkage Disassembly and Reassembly). Then go to Step 10.
NO Go to Step 9.
STEP 9. Check for excessive tie rod end ball joint breakaway torque.

Refer to Testing and Inspection.

Q. Is the breakaway torque out of specification?

YES Replace the tie rod end (Refer to Power Steering Gear Box and Linkage Disassembly and Reassembly). Then go to Step 10.
NO Go to Step 10.
STEP 10. Check the steering wheel operation.

Verify that the steering wheel operation is not difficult.

Q. Is the steering wheel operation difficult?

YES Repeat from Step 1.
NO The procedure is complete.