1. Steering Systems
Chapter 44

2. Contents Steering system problem diagnosis Steering system maintenance
Steering column service
Manual steering gearbox service (recirculating-ball type)
Steering linkage service
Manual rack-and-pinion service
Power steering system service

3. Steering System Problem Diagnosis
Symptoms of steering problems include play in the steering wheel, hard steering, and abnormal noises when turning
Inspect and test the steering system to find the source of the trouble

4. Steering System Problems

5. Steering Wheel Play
Amount that you can turn the steering wheel without front wheel movement
Caused by worn ball sockets, a worn idler arm, or too much clearance in the steering gearbox
Compare the play to service manual specifications
e.g. 1 1/2” (33 mm)

6. Dry Park Test
With the vehicle on the ground, rotate the steering wheel back and forth while someone watches for part wear

7. Steering Inspection
Raise the vehicle on a lift. Wiggle the tires back and forth while watching for steering play

8. Hard Steering
Caused by problems with the steering gear, power steering components, ball sockets, and the suspension system
Check the power steering pump belt for condition and tension
If the belt is slipping, hard steering could result
Check for cracks and glazing and compare tension to specs

9. Steering System Noise
Noise can be a sign of worn parts, dry bearings or ball sockets, loose parts, slipping belts, or low power steering fluid level
Belt squeal and power steering pump noise both occur when the steering wheel is turned
Pump noise can result from low fluid level or aerated fluid

10. Steering System Maintenance
Maintenance involves checking for low fluid level, incorrect belt adjustment, system leaks, and other problems
Ball socket lubrication may be necessary

11. Check most systems at operating temperature, with the engine off
Checking the Fluid
Check most systems at operating temperature, with the engine off

12. Servicing the Belt
When changing a belt, pry on a recommended point and adjust tension to specs

13. Steering Column Service
Service is needed after a collision or when internal parts of the column fail
Most repairs can be done without column removal

14. Steering Column

15. Steering Wheel Removal
Remove the horn button and steering shaft nut
Scribe alignment marks on the steering wheel and the steering shaft
Mount a wheel puller over the steering wheel
Screw the bolts into the threaded holes in the steering wheel

16. Steering Wheel Removal
Tighten the puller down against the steering shaft to remove the wheel

17. Steering Wheel Installation
When installing the steering wheel, match any alignment marks
Many steering shafts use a master spline so that the wheel only installs in one position
Ignition lock, turn signal mechanism, and horn and cruise control slip rings are all accessible below the steering wheel

18. (Recirculating-Ball Type)
Manual Steering
Gearbox Service
(Recirculating-Ball Type)
Service involves the adjustment or the replacement of worn parts (bearings, seals, and bushings)
Gearbox repair or overhaul may be necessary when adjustment will not provide proper operation

19. Gearbox Adjustment
Two basic adjustments are performed on manual recirculating-ball gearboxes:
Worm bearing preload
preloads the bearings to ensure that the worm shaft is held snugly in the housing
Over-center clearance
controls the amount of lash between the pitman shaft gear and the teeth on the ball nut

20. Gearbox Adjustment

21. Worm Bearing Preload Adjustment
Disconnect the pitman arm
Loosen the pitman shaft over-center locknut and adjusting screw
Using a torque wrench or spring scale, turn the steering wheel slowly from side-to-side

22. Worm Bearing Preload Adjustment
Compare the required force to specs
If needed, tighten or loosen the adjustment nut

23. Over-Center Clearance Adjustment
Center the steering gear in its travel
Preload is produced in the center of travel to avoid steering wheel play during straight-ahead driving

24. Over-Center Clearance Adjustment
Loosen the locknut and bottom the adjustment screw lightly

25. Over-Center Clearance Adjustment
Use a torque wrench or spring scale to measure the amount of force needed to move the shaft back and forth through center
Tighten or loosen the adjusting screw until the amount of force needed to move the shaft is within specs
Tighten the locknut after adjustment and recheck the required force

26. Over-Center Clearance Adjustment

27. Steering Linkage Service
When your inspection finds worn steering linkage parts, new parts must be installed

28. Steering System Inspection

29. Idler Arm Service Idler arm wear will cause play in the steering wheel
To check an idler arm, force it up and down using a spring scale
When the specified force is applied to the spring scale each way, note the idler arm movement and compare to specs
e.g. at 20 lbs (9.0 kg) of force, maximum 1/4” (6.5 mm) travel

30. Idler Arm Service
To replace the idler arm, remove the cotter pin and castle nut
Use a fork tool or puller to force the ball stud out of the hole in the center link
Unbolt the idler arm from the frame
Install the new part
Torque the idler arm to specifications
Install a new cotter pin

31. Tie-Rod End Service Tie-rod end wear will cause steering play
To remove a tie-rod end, separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle or center link

32. Tie-Rod End Service
Use a fork or puller to separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle

33. Tie-Rod End Service
Loosen the adjusting sleeve, and count the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod from the sleeve

34. Tie-Rod End Service
Install the new part the exact same number of turns
Install the tie-rod ball stud into the center link or steering knuckle
Tighten all of the fasteners to specs and install a new cotter pin
Check toe adjustment with an alignment machine

35. Power Steering System Service
Service involves the adjustment or the replacement of worn bearings, seals, and bushings
Hoses, a pump, a power piston, and a control valve are added
these parts can require repair or replacement

36. Power Steering Leaks To check for leaks, wipe fluid-soaked areas clean
Have a helper idle the engine and turn the steering wheel to the right and left
Watch for leaks as the wheels are turned, raising system pressure

37. Leakage Points (Rack-and-Pinion)

38. Leakage Points (Linkage System)

39. Servicing Hoses
Always check hose condition when servicing a power steering system
High-pressure hoses are exposed to tremendous pressures
over 1000 psi (6895 kPa)
When installing a new hose, start fittings by hand
Use a tubing wrench to tighten the hose fittings properly

40. Bolts, hoses, and brackets that must be removed when replacing a pump
Pump Replacement
Bolts, hoses, and brackets that must be removed when replacing a pump

41. Pump Service During a pump rebuild, clean and inspect all the parts
Check the pump vanes, thrust plate, and pump ring (included in a pump rebuild kit)
Replace all o-rings, gaskets, and seals
Lubricate the components with fluid and reassemble the pump

42. Bleeding the System
When hydraulic components are serviced, bleed any air out of the system
Idle the engine and turn the steering wheel fully from side to side
Check the fluid level often
Cycling the system will force air from the steering gear, back to the reservoir

43. Electronic Assist Steering Service
Refer to service manual diagrams, part locations, and electrical value charts
Use a scan tool to check for diagnostic trouble codes
Check scan data for input and output data that could help isolate a problem
Perform pinpoint tests with a multimeter to verify the source of any problems