For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic Starting Point - Power Steering System? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Power Steering System
2 | Verify that the steering wheel surges/jerks while turning. Does the system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3
3 | Check for worn or binding front suspension components. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 4
4 |

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Check for a binding or worn rack and pinion outer tie rod end.

Is the rack and pinion outer tie rod end binding or worn?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5 | Check for a worn or binding intermediate steering shaft. Is the intermediate steering shaft worn or binding? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 6
6 | Check for a worn or binding steering gear. Is the steering gear worn or binding? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 7
7 | Check for a worn or binding steering column. Is the steering column worn or binding? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 8
8 | Check for excessive heat in the electric power steering (EPS) motor. Does the EPS motor appear to be overheated? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 13
9 | Important:

• | Do not perform excessive parking lot maneuvers during testing.

• | Excessive parking lot maneuvers can cause the EPS motor to heat up.

Allow the EPS motor to cool and retest the system.

Did you correct the condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

10 | Replace the rack and pinion outer tie rod end. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | --
11 | Replace the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | --
12 | Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | --
13 | Replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | --
14 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3