For 1990-2009 cars

Complaint/Condition | Possible Cause(s) | Correction(s)
--- | --- | ---
Hard Steering | Front tire(s) improperly inflated. | Inflate tire(s) correctly.
| Improperly adjusted, improperly lubricated or damaged steering gear. | Adjust, lubricate (check for damaged boots), or replace steering gear.
| Worn or binding lower control arm ball stud(s). | Replace lower control arm(s) ball stud(s).
| Worn or binding inner or outer tie rod(s). | Replace inner or outer tie rod end(s).
| Worn or binding upper strut mount(s). | Replace mount(s).
| Worn or binding intermediate shaft joint(s). | Replace intermediate shaft.
| Accessory drive belt loose. | Check accessory drive belt tension.
| Power steering fluid level low. | Add power steering fluid.
| Insufficient power steering pump pressure. | Repair or replace power steering pump.
| Restricted or leaking power steering hoses. | Replace hoses or tighten hose connections.
| High internal leakage in steering gear. | Replace steering gear.
| Binding within steering column. | Correct condition.
Poor return of steering wheel to center. | Front tire(s) improperly inflated. | Inflate tire(s) correctly.
| Improperly adjusted, improperly lubricated, or binding steering gear. | Adjust, lubricate (check for damaged boots), or replace steering gear.
| Worn or binding inner or outer tie rod end(s). | Replace inner or outer tie rod end(s).
| Worn or binding upper strut mount(s). | Replace mount(s).
| Worn or binding intermediate shaft joint(s). | Replace intermediate shaft.
| Binding within steering column. | Correct condition.
Excessive free play in steering. | Wheel bearing(s) worn. | Replace wheel bearing(s).
| Steering gear mounting bolt(s) loose. | Tighten bolt(s).
| Steering gear out of adjustment or worn. | Adjust or replace steering gear.
| Worn inner or outer steering tie rod(s). | Replace tie rod(s).
| Lower control arm ball stud(s) worn. | Replace lower control arm(s) ball stud(s).
| Front stabilizer bar bushings worn. | Replace bushings.
Rattle and/or clunking noise in steering | Inner or outer tie rod end(s) worn. | Replace inner or outer tie rod end(s).
| Steering gear out of adjustment or worn. | Adjust or replace steering gear.
| Intermediate shaft joint(s) worn. | Replace intermediate shaft.
| Steering gear mounting bolt(s) loose. | Tighten bolt(s).
| Worn wheel bearing(s). | Replace wheel bearing(s).
Momentary increase in steering effort when steering wheel is turned quickly with system at warm operating temperature. | High internal leakage in steering gear. | Replace steering gear.
| Low power steering fluid level. | Correct power steering fluid level.
| Insufficient pump pressure. | Repair or replace power steering pump.
Steering wheel surges or jerks when turning at low speeds. | Insufficient power steering pump pressure. | Repair or replace power steering pump.
| High internal leakage in steering gear. | Replace steering gear.
| Loose accessory drive belt. | Check accessory drive belt tension.
Insufficient system pressure - caused by pump. | Flow control valve stuck or inoperative. | Free or replace flow control valve.
| Pressure plate not flat against pump ring. | Correct condition.
| Worn pump ring. | Replace pump ring.
| Scored pressure plate, thrust plate, or rotor. | Replace components.
| Vane(s) sticking in rotor slot(s). | Clean rotor/vanes or replace component(s).
| Cracked or broken thrust or pressure plate. | Replace components.
Insufficient system pressure - caused by steering gear. | Leaking steering gear piston seals or inner rack seal. | Replace steering gear.
Growling noise in power steering pump. | Excessive back pressure in hoses or steering gear caused by restriction. | Eliminate restriction.
| Scored pressure plate, thrust plate, or rotor. | Replace component(s)
| Worn pump ring. | Replace pump ring.
| Air in power steering fluid. | Add power steering fluid and bleed system.
| Pump mounting loose. | Tighten pump mounting.
Rattling noise in power steering pump. | Vane(s) sticking in rotor slot(s). | Clean rotor/vanes or replace component(s).
Swishing noise in power steering pump. | Damaged flow control valve. | Replace flow control valve.
Whining noise in power steering pump. | Pump shaft being scored. | Replace pump.