Power Steering

Symptom Troubleshooting Index

 17-18  

Find the symptom in the chart below, and do the related procedures in the order listed until you find the cause.

Symptom Procedure(s) Also check for:
Hard Steering Troubleshoot the system (see page 17-20).
  • Modified suspension
  • Tyre sizes, tyre varieties, and air pressure
Assist (excessively light steering at high speed) Check the rack guide adjustment (see page 17-13). Front wheel alignment (see page 18-4).
Shock or vibration when the wheel is turned to full lock
  1. Check the rack guide adjustment (see page 17-13).
  2. Check the power steering pump belt for slippage and adjust as necessary (see page 17-23).
  3. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see page 17-39).
  
Steering wheel will not return smoothly
  1. Check cylinder lines for deformation.
  2. Check wheel alignment (see page 18-4).
  3. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see page 17-39).
  
Uneven or rough steering
  1. Check the rack guide adjustment (see page 17-13).
  2. Check power steering pump belt adjustment (see page 17-23).
  3. Check low or erratic engine idle speed:
  • 4-door (KB, KE, KG, TR models) (see page 11-125).
  • 4-door (except KB, KE, KG, TR models) (see page 11-285).
  • 5-door (KE model) (see page 11-425).
  • 5-door (except KE model) (see page 11-560).
  1. Check for air in the power steering system due to low fluid level.
  2. Check for low fluid level in the power steering reservoir due to possible leaks in system.
  3. Overhaul the steering gearbox (see page 17-39).
  
Steering wheel kicks back during wide turns
  1. Check power steering pump belt adjustment (see page 17-23).
  2. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure (see page 17-25).
  
Humming
  1. Check when the noise occurs
  • If the noise is heard 2 - 3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather, this is normal.
  • If the noise is heard when the wheel is turn with the vehicle stopped, this is normal due to the fluid pulsation.
  1. Check for the high-pressure hose touching the sub-frame or body.
  2. Check for automatic transmission converter noise. Remove the power steering belt, and recheck.
 Pump pressure