Power Steering System Bleeding - VIN Range: L86902->M45254
- Fill the reservoir to the MAX mark.
- Turn the steering from lock to lock.
- Check the fluid level. Fill the reservoir to the MAX mark if necessary.
- Start the engine and turn the steering from lock to lock.
- Switch the engine off.
- Check the fluid level. Fill the reservoir to the MAX mark if necessary.
- Start the engine, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. If excessive noise is apparent or shudder is evident through the steering wheel, repeat the bleed procedure.
Scheme 12
The power steering system is a rack and pinion design, with an engine-driven pump providing the steering assistance. The system features variable steering assistance with vehicle speed and a variable ratio steering rack.
Absolute cleanliness must be observed when replenishing the fluid or dismantling any part of the system. A new reservoir must be fitted if the steering rack, power assisted steering pump or fluid cooler are replaced. New fluid from a sealed container must be used.
The vehicle wanders from side to side on the road, when it is driven straight ahead and the steering wheel is held in a firm position.
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect tire size or pressure. Action(s) to take: CHECK for the correct tire size and adjust tire pressures. For additional information, refer to «WHEELS & TIRES»(ref-199522)
Possible Source(s)
- Vehicle is unevenly loaded or overloaded. Action(s) to take: Adjust the load.
Possible Source(s)
- Loose or worn tie-rods or tie-rod ends. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new tie-rod end or steering gear. For additional information, refer to «TIE-ROD END»(ref-199533-S26049925332005101900000)
Possible Source(s)
- Steering gear bolts loose or damaged. Action(s) to take: TIGHTEN or INSTALL new bolts.
Possible Source(s)
- Loose or worn suspension ball joint(s). Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new suspension ball joint assembly. For additional information, refer to «FRONT SUSPENSION»(ref-199520)
Possible Source(s)
- Steering column universal joint pinch bolt loose. Action(s) to take: TIGHTEN the pinch bolt. For additional information, refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-199534)
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect toe adjustment. Action(s) to take: ADJUST as necessary. For additional information, refer to «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(ref-162814-S01220859272004061100000)
Possible Source(s)
- Loose or worn rear suspension. Action(s) to take: TIGHTEN loose, or INSTALL new rear suspension components. For additional information, refer to «REAR SUSPENSION»(ref-199521)
Vehicle tends to pull to one side when driven on a level surface
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect tire pressure. Action(s) to take: ADJUST the tire pressure.
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect tire size or different tire/tread type. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new tire as necessary. For additional information, «WHEELS & TIRES»(ref-199522)
Possible Source(s)
- Vehicle is unevenly or excessively loaded. Action(s) to take: ADJUST the load evenly.
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect toe adjustment. Action(s) to take: ADJUST as necessary. For additional information, refer to «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(ref-162814-S01220859272004061100000)
Possible Source(s)
- Damaged front suspension components. Action(s) to take: INSTALL new front suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to «FRONT SUSPENSION»(ref-199520)
Possible Source(s)
- Damaged rear suspension components. Action(s) to take: INSTALL new rear suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to «REAR SUSPENSION»(ref-199521)
Possible Source(s)
- Steering gear valve effort out of balance. Action(s) to take: SHIFT the transmission into NEUTRAL while driving at no more than 30 miles/hour (50 km/h) and turn the ignition to position I (engine OFF-coasting). If the vehicle does not pull with the engine off, INSTALL a new steering gear. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING»(ref-199532)
Possible Source(s)
- Check the front and rear brakes for correct operation. Action(s) to take: ADJUST as necessary. For additional information, refer to «BRAKE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-199527)
Possible Source(s)
- Check for bent rear suspension components and for damaged coil springs in the front suspension. Action(s) to take: INSTALL new rear suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to «REAR SUSPENSION»(ref-199521)
Possible Source(s)
- Check the rear suspension for loose or worn suspension components. Action(s) to take: TIGHTEN or INSTALL new components as necessary. For additional information, refer to «REAR SUSPENSION»(ref-199521)
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect underbody alignment. Action(s) to take: CHECK underbody alignment. For additional information, refer to «UNIFRAME, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING»(ref-207828)
Feedback (whining or knocking noises in the steering gear) - condition where roughness is felt in the steering wheel by the driver when the vehicle is driven over rough surfaces
Possible Source(s)
- Loose/worn tie-rods. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING»(ref-199532)
Possible Source(s)
- Steering gear bolts loose or damaged. Action(s) to take: TIGHTEN or INSTALL new bolts as necessary. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING»(ref-199532)
Possible Source(s)
- Loose suspension bushing, bolts or ball joints. Action(s) to take: TIGHTEN or INSTALL new components as necessary. For additional information, refer to «FRONT SUSPENSION»(ref-199520)
Possible Source(s)
- Damaged steering column. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new steering column as necessary. For additional information, refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-199534)
Poor returnability of the steering.
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect tire pressure. Action(s) to take: CHECK and ADJUST the tire pressure. For additional information, refer to «WHEELS & TIRES»(ref-199522)
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect tire size or type. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new tire as necessary. For additional information, refer to «WHEELS & TIRES»(ref-199522)
Possible Source(s)
- Steering column universal joints binding. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new steering column. For additional information, refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-199534)
Possible Source(s)
- Steering column shaft floor seal binding. Action(s) to take: LUBRICATE the steering column shaft floor seal as necessary.
Possible Source(s)
- Steering column shaft floor seal may be torn. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new steering column shaft floor seal as necessary.
Possible Source(s)
- Binding or damaged tie-rods. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new steering gear. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING»(ref-199532)
Possible Source(s)
- Damaged or worn front suspension components. Action(s) to take: INSTALL new front suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to «FRONT SUSPENSION»(ref-199520)
Possible Source(s)
- Incorrect toe adjustment. Action(s) to take: ADJUST as necessary. For additional information, refer to «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(ref-162814-S01220859272004061100000)
Excessive steering efforts required to turn corners and during parking maneuvers.
Possible Source(s)
- Low power steering pump fluid. Action(s) to take: FILL as necessary and check for system leaks.
Possible Source(s)
- Damaged accessory drive belt tensioner. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new accessory drive belt tensioner.
Possible Source(s)
- Hose or oil cooler external leak. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new hose or oil cooler as necessary.
Possible Source(s)
- Hose or cooler line restriction. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new hose as necessary.
Possible Source(s)
- Fluid aeration. Action(s) to take: BLEED the system. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING - VIN RANGE: L00600->L86901»(ref-199531-S34110822662005101900000)
Accessory drive belt squeal
Possible Source(s)
- Check accessory drive belt for correct tension or glazing. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to «SPECIFICATIONS & DRIVE BELT ROUTING»(ref-164247)
Power steering pump noisy
Possible Source(s)
- Low fluid level. Action(s) to take: FILL as necessary and check for system leaks.
Possible Source(s)
- Power steering pump. Action(s) to take: CHECK for leaks. REPAIR as necessary. INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING»(ref-199532)
Power steering pump or reservoir leaks
Possible Source(s)
- Overfilled system. Action(s) to take: CORRECT the fluid level as necessary.
Possible Source(s)
- Damaged fluid cap. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new cap.
Possible Source(s)
- Loose or damaged hose fittings. Action(s) to take: TIGHTEN or INSTALL a new hose as necessary.
Possible Source(s)
- Leakage at power steering pump. Action(s) to take: INSTALL a new power steering pump. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING»(ref-199532)
Steering Linkage
| CAUTION | Steering gear boots must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Use new clamps when installing steering gear boots. |
Inspect the boots for cuts, deterioration, twisting or distortion. Check the steering gear boots to make sure they are tight. Install new boots or clamps as necessary.
- With the wheels in the straight ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and the right to check for free play.
- Free play should be between 0 and 6 mm (0 and 0.24 in) at the steering wheel rim. If the free play exceeds this limit, either the ball joints are worn or the backlash of the steering gear is excessive.
- The backlash of the steering gear cannot be adjusted, install a new steering gear. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING»(ref-199532)
- Grasp the steering wheel firmly and move it up and down and to the left and right without turning the wheel to check for column bearing wear, steering wheel or steering column. For additional information, refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-199534)
Leakage
| Condition | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid leakage | Confirm the position of the fluid leak. | CLEAN the area of the leak. Inspect the area and confirm the exact position of leak. Make sure the fluid is not from another system on the vehicle. |
| Overfilled system. | CORRECT the fluid level as necessary. | |
| Component leak. | NOTE: Record the position of the leak and some indication of the rate of the leak on the Warranty Return Record Sheet. LOCATE the suspect component or CHECK hose connections and repair as necessary. | |
| Damaged fluid cap. | INSTALL a new fluid cap. | |
| Loose or damaged hose fittings. | TIGHTEN or INSTALL a new hose as necessary. | |
| Leakage at power steering pump. | INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Fluid leakage | Leakage at steering hose to steering gear connection. | CHECK steering hose to steering gear connection for leakage. CHECK and TIGHTEN the steering hose to steering gear connection retaining bolts/bolts as necessary. |
| Power steering fluid leakage at O-ring seals. | CHECK the power steering system for signs of steering fluid loss from O-ring seals. INSTALL new O-ring seals as necessary. BLEED the power steering system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING - VIN RANGE: L86902->M45254 . | |
| Power steering fluid leakage from transfer pipes. | CHECK the power steering system for signs of steering fluid loss from the transfer pipes. CHECK and TIGHTEN the transfer pipes if required, INSTALL new transfer pipes as necessary. BLEED the power steering system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING - VIN RANGE: L86902->M45254 . | |
| Power steering fluid leakage from the steering gear. | CHECK the power steering gear for signs of fluid loss. INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Power steering fluid leakage from steering gear boot. | CHECK the power steering gear for signs of fluid loss. INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING |
| NOTE |
|---|
| Record the position of the leak and some indication of the rate of the leak on the Warranty Return Record Sheet. |
Steering Fault Diagnosis By Symptom - Leakage
Functional
| Condition | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Free play at steering wheel | Excess play in the steering linkage. | CHECK the steering linkage for excess play. For additional information, REFER to the STEERING LINKAGE INSPECTION AND BACKLASH (FREEPLAY) CHECK . |
| Steering wheel loose. | CHECK and TIGHTEN the steering wheel retaining bolt/bolts as necessary. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN | |
| Lower steering column pinch bolt loose. | CHECK and TIGHTEN the lower steering column pinch bolts as necessary. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN | |
| Excessive wear in lower steering column. | CHECK for lower steering column for wear in the universal joints. If wear is present, INSTALL a new lower steering column as necessary. | |
| Wear in suspension joints. | CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will result in the steering gear warranty to become invalid. CHECK for excess wear in the front suspension joints. For additional information, refer to BALL JOINT INSPECTION | |
| Vehicle wanders from side to side on the road, when the vehicle is driven straight ahead and the steering wheel is held in a firm position | Incorrect tire pressure or tire size. | CHECK and ADJUST the tire pressure. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES INSTALL a new tire as necessary. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES |
| Vehicle is unevenly or excessively loaded. | ADJUST the load evenly. | |
| Loose/worn tie-rods. | INSTALL a new tie-rod end. For additional information, refer to STEERING LINKAGE | |
| Steering gear bolts loose or damaged. | TIGHTEN or INSTALL new bolts. | |
| Loose or worn suspension ball joint(s). | INSTALL a new suspension ball joint assembly. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION | |
| Steering column universal joint pinch bolt loose. | TIGHTEN the steering column universal joint pinch bolt. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN | |
| Incorrect toe adjustment. | ADJUST as necessary. For additional information, refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES | |
| Loose or worn rear suspension. | TIGHTEN loose, or INSTALL new rear suspension components. For additional information, refer to REAR SUSPENSION | |
| Vehicle tends to pull to one side when driven on a level surface | Incorrect tire pressure. Incorrect tire size or different tire/tread type. Uneven tire wear | CHECK and ADJUST the tire pressure. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES INSTALL a new tire as necessary. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES |
| Vehicle is unevenly loaded or overloaded. | Adjust the load. | |
| Incorrect toe adjustment. | ADJUST as necessary. For additional information, refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES | |
| Damaged front suspension components. | INSTALL new front suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION | |
| Damaged rear suspension components. | INSTALL new rear suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to REAR SUSPENSION | |
| Steering gear valve effort out of balance. | SHIFT the transmission into NEUTRAL while driving at no more than 30 miles/hour (50 km/h) and turn the ignition to position I (engine OFF-coasting). If the vehicle does not pull with the engine off, INSTALL a new steering gear. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING If the vehicle does drift with the engine off, CROSS SWITCH front wheel assemblies. If the vehicle pulls to the opposite side, SWITCH wheels that were on the rear to the same side on the front. If the vehicle pull direction is not changed, CHECK the front suspension components and toe adjustments. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION | |
| Check the front and rear brakes for correct operation. | ADJUST as necessary. For additional information, refer to BRAKE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION | |
| Check for bent rear suspension components and for damaged coil springs in the front suspension. | INSTALL new rear suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to REAR SUSPENSION INSTALL new front suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION | |
| Check the rear suspension for loose or worn suspension components. | TIGHTEN or INSTALL new components as necessary. For additional information, refer to REAR SUSPENSION | |
| Incorrect underbody alignment. | CHECK underbody alignment. For additional information, refer to UNIFRAME, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING | |
| Poor returnability of the steering. | Lower steering column interference. | CHECK the steering column is free from interference from the engine harness, sound proofing or the floor covering. |
| Incorrect tire pressure. | CHECK and ADJUST the tire pressure. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES | |
| Incorrect tire size or type. | INSTALL a new tire as necessary. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES | |
| Steering column upper shroud fouling on the steering wheel. | CHECK steering column upper shroud for fouling. ADJUST as necessary. | |
| Steering column universal joints binding. | INSTALL a new steering column. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN | |
| Steering column shaft floor seal binding. | CHECK the steering column shaft floor seal for correct fitment and REFIT as necessary. | |
| Steering column shaft floor seal may be torn. | INSTALL a new steering column shaft floor seal as necessary. | |
| Binding or damaged tie-rods. | CHECK tie-rod end for excessive wear or tightness in ball joint. INSTALL a new tie-rod end. For additional information, STEERING LINKAGE | |
| Damaged or worn front suspension components. | INSTALL new front suspension components as necessary. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION | |
| Incorrect toe adjustment. | ADJUST as necessary. For additional information, refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES | |
| Excessive steering efforts required during low speed maneuvering and/or during parking maneuvers | Low power steering fluid. | CHECK steering system for signs of steering fluid loss. BLEED the power steering system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING - VIN RANGE: L86902->M45254 |
| Damaged accessory drive belt tensioner. | INSTALL a new accessory drive belt tensioner. | |
| Hose or cooler line restriction. | CHECK hose or cooler lines for correct routing. INSTALL a new hose as necessary. | |
| Fluid aeration. | BLEED the system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING - VIN RANGE: L86902->M45254 | |
| Steering transducer not closed - no feed voltage. | CHECK the steering transducer circuit. For additional information, REFER to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2000, SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2001 or SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2002. Carry out the electrical checks and tests. For additional information, REFER to the ELECTRICAL CHECKS . | |
| Steering transducer not closed-cable fault. | CHECK the steering transducer circuit. For additional information, REFER to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2000, SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2001 or SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2002. Carry out the electrical checks and tests. For additional information, REFER to ELECTRICAL CHECKS . | |
| Steering control module (SCM) defective. | CHECK the SCM and INSTALL a new SCM as necessary. | |
| Power steering fluid delivery pressure or flow too low. | CHECK the power steering pressure. For additional information, REFER to the POWER STEERING PRESSURE TEST . INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Internal steering gear leakage. | CHECK the power steering pressure. For additional information, REFER to the POWER STEERING PRESSURE TEST . INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Steering operation is very heavy when driving, but when stationary maneuvering is good | Steering transducer open early. | CHECK steering transducer and INSTALL a new steering transducer as necessary. Carry out the electrical checks and tests. For additional information, REFER to ELECTRICAL CHECKS . |
| Steering transducer open early, steering control module (SCM) fault. | CHECK SCM and INSTALL a new SCM as necessary. | |
| Steering transducer open early, speedo signal error. | CHECK speedo circuit. For additional information, REFER to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2000, SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2001 or SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2002. | |
| Steering operation is very light when driving, but when stationary maneuvering is good | Steering transducer not open, (no power steering fluid flow). | CHECK the power steering fluid condition. For additional information, REFER to the POWER STEERING FLUID CONDITION CHECK . |
| Steering transducer not open, steering control module (SCM) fault. | CHECK the SCM and INSTALL a new SCM as necessary. Carry out the electrical checks and tests. For additional information, REFER to ELECTRICAL CHECKS . | |
| Steering transducer not open, speedo signal error. | CHECK the speedo circuit. For additional information, REFER to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2000, SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2001 or SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2002. | |
| CHECK the power steering fluid low pressure pipe for restricted flow. | INSTALL a new power steering fluid low pressure pipe. | |
| Steering heavy operation during rapid maneuvering | Air in power steering system. | CHECK for an air leak into the power steering system and repair as necessary. BLEED the power steering system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING - VIN RANGE: L86902->M45254 . |
| Fluid loss at the power steering pump shaft seal. | CHECK the power steering pump for signs of steering fluid loss. INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Power steering fluid delivery pressure or flow too low. | CHECK the power steering pump for signs of steering fluid loss. CHECK the power steering pressure. For additional information, REFER to the POWER STEERING PRESSURE TEST . INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Steering heavy operation in one direction | Lower steering column interference. | CHECK the steering column is free from interference from the engine harness, sound proofing or the floor covering. |
| Incorrect steering geometry. | CHECK the front wheel alignment. For additional information, refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES | |
| Faulty rotary valve/seal. | CHECK the power steering pressure. For additional information, REFER to the POWER STEERING PRESSURE TEST . INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Tire fouling on the wheel arch liner. | CHECK for clearance between the tire and the wheel arch liner. Remove and refit the wheel arch liner or INSTALL a new wheel arch liner as necessary. | |
| Steering heavy operation in both directions | Low power steering fluid. | CHECK steering system for signs of steering fluid loss. BLEED the power steering system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING - VIN RANGE: L86902->M45254 . |
| Air in power steering system. | CHECK the power steering pump for signs of steering fluid loss. INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Fluid loss at the power steering pump shaft seal. | CHECK the power steering pump for signs of steering fluid loss. INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Power steering fluid delivery pressure or flow too low. | CHECK the power steering pump for signs of steering fluid loss. CHECK the power steering pressure. For additional information, REFER to the POWER STEERING PRESSURE TEST . INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING | |
| Steering operation varies from heavy to light when driving at constant speed | Lower steering column interference. | CHECK the steering column is free from interference from the engine harness, sound proofing or the floor covering. |
| Incorrect speedometer signal. | CHECK the speedo circuit. For additional information, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2000, SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2001 or SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2002. | |
| Steering transducer cable/connection faulty or grounded. | CHECK the steering transducer circuit. For additional information, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2000, SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2001 or SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS for 2002. Carry out the electrical checks and tests. For additional information, REFER to ELECTRICAL CHECKS . | |
| Steering wheel varies from light to heavy two times per revolution | Lower steering column interference. | CHECK the steering column is free from interference from the engine harness, sound proofing or the floor covering. |
| Steering column universal joints binding. | INSTALL a new steering column. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN | |
| Seized or damaged steering components. | CHECK for wear or failure of suspension bushings and ball joints. For additional information, refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES |
| CAUTION |
|---|
| DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will result in the steering gear warranty to become invalid. |
Steering Fault Diagnosis By Symptom - Functional
Boom
Rhythmic sound like a drum roll or distant thunder. May cause pressure on the ear drum.
Buzz
Low-pitched sound, like a bee. Usually associated with vibrations.
Chatter
Rapidly repeating metallic sound.
Chuckle
Rapid noise that sounds like a stick against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel.
Chirp
High pitched rapidly repeating sound, like chirping birds.
Click
Light sound, like a ball point pen being clicked.
Click/Thump
Heavy metal-to-metal sound, like a hammer striking steel.
Grind
Abrasive sound, like a grinding wheel or sandpaper rubbing against wood.
Groan/Moan
Continuous, low-pitched humming sound.
Groan/Howl
Low, guttural sound, like an angry dog.
Hiss
Continuous sound like air escaping from a tire valve.
Knock
Heavy, loud repeating sound like a knock on a door.
Ping
Similar to knock, except at higher frequency.
Roar
Deep, long, prolonged sound like an animal, or winds and ocean waves.
Rumble
Low, heavy continuous sound like that made by wagons or thunder.
Scrape
Grating noise like one hard plastic rubbing part rubbing against another.
Squeal
Continuous, high-pitched sound like running finger nails across a chalkboard.
Tap
Light, hammering sound like tapping pencil on edge of table. May be rhythmic or intermittent.
Weep
Continuous mid-range sound (lower frequency than squeal, higher frequency than groan).
Whir/Whine
High-pitched buzzing sound, like an electric motor or drill.
Whistle
Sharp, shrill sound, like wind passing a small opening.
Belt Squeal
Belt squeal is a high frequency air-borne noise generated by slippage of the ribbed "V" belt on the power steering pump pulley. Squeal increases with system loading and at the end of lock.
Clonk
Clonk is a structure-borne noise heard as a loose-sounding rattle or vibration coming from the steering column. Clonk can be identified by driving and turning over cobblestones, rough roads, or high frequency bumps such as 25-50 mm tall tar strips. Clonk requires a tie-rod load impact.
Column Knock
Column knock is a loose-sounding rattle or vibration generated by the steering column shaft contacting other portions of the column assembly. The noise is both audible and tactile. Column knock is generated by driving over cobblestones or rough pavement. It is not necessary to turn the steering wheel to create this noise.
Grinding/Scrape
Grinding is a low frequency noise in the column when the steering wheel is turned. Is generally caused by interference between moving components such as the steering wheel to steering column shroud.
Grunt (Squawk)
Grunt is a "honking" sound elicited when coming off one of the steering stops. Grunt is generally excited during parking maneuvers with a low to medium speed steering input.
Hiss (Swish)
Hiss or Valve Hiss is a high-frequency sound coming from the steering gear when the system is loaded. It is a rushing or "swish" noise that doesn't change frequency with RPM. Hiss is the general noise generated by the flow of hydraulic fluid through restrictions in the steering system. Restrictions include the rotary steering valve, power steering tubes, connectors, tuning orifices, etc. Hiss can be air-borne and structure-borne, but the structure-borne path through the steering intermediate shaft is usually dominant.
Moan (Groan)
Moan is the general structure-borne noise of the steering system. Moan is primarily transmitted to the driver via the body structure through the pump mount, engine mounts, power steering lines and power steering brackets. On some vehicles, moan is a load humming noise, often present when the wheel is turned and the system is loaded. It may change frequency with engine RPM and if the system is loaded or unloaded.
Rack Knock (Rack Slap)
| CAUTION | DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will result in the steering gear warranty to become invalid. |
Rack Knock is a rattle sound and steering wheel vibration caused by separation of the steering gear and pinion while driving over bumps. It is a structure-borne noise transmitted through the intermediate shaft and column. Rack knock can also be heard as a "thump" or impact noise that occurs with the vehicle stationary when the steering wheel is released from a loaded position and allowed to return to rest. Noise occurs with the engine on or off.
Weep is an air-borne noise, occasionally generated when turning the steering across lock at a constant rate. When present on a vehicle the noise, once initiated can often be maintained across a large proportion of the available steering movement.
Whistle is similar to hiss but is louder and of a higher frequency. It is also more of a pure tone noise than hiss. Whistle is air-borne and is generated by a high flow rate of hydraulic fluid through a small restriction.
Zip
Zip noise is the air-borne noise generated by power steering pump cavitation when power steering fluid does not flow freely through the suction hose from the reservoir to the pump. Zip primarily occurs during cold weather at start-up.
Buzz is a tactile rotary vibration felt in the steering wheel for slow steering inputs. Buzz can also be called a grinding feel and it is closely related to grunt and is caused by high system gain with low damping. Buzz is generally excited during parking maneuvers with low to medium speed steering input.
Buzz (Electrical)
A different steering buzz can be caused by pulse width modulated (PWM) electric actuators used in variable assist steering systems. This buzz is felt by turning the ignition key to run without starting the engine and holding onto the steering wheel. In extreme cases, the buzz can be felt with the engine running also.
Column/Steering Wheel Shake
Column shake is a low frequency vertical vibration excited by primary engine vibrations.
Nibble (Shimmy)
Steering nibble is a rotary oscillation or vibration of the steering wheel, which can be excited at a specific vehicle speed. Nibble is driven by wheel and tire imbalance exciting a suspension recession mode, which then translates into steering gear travel and finally steering wheel nibble.
Shudder (Judder)
Shudder is a low frequency oscillation of the entire steering system (tire, wheels, steering gear and linkage, etc.) when the vehicle is steered during static-park or at low speeds. Shudder is very dependent on road surface.
Wheel Fight (Kick Back)
Wheel fight is excess feedback of sudden road forces through the steering system and back to the driver. It is evaluated at all vehicle speeds over cobblestones, rough roads, and potholes. The tires, wheels, and suspension generate forces into the steering systems. Steering friction, hydraulic damping, hydraulic compliance, mechanical compliance, steering ratio, and assist gain all affect how much is transmitted to the driver.
| CAUTION | Steering gear boots must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Use new clamps when installing steering gear boots. |
Inspect the boots for cuts, deterioration, twisting or distortion. Check the steering gear boots to make sure they are tight. Install new boots or clamps as necessary.
Note. The following steps must be carried out with assistance.
- With the wheels in the straight ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and the right to check for free play.
- Free play should be between 0 and 6 mm (0 and 0.24 in) at the steering wheel rim. If the free play exceeds this limit, either the ball joints are worn, the lower steering column joints are worn or the backlash of the steering gear is excessive.
- The backlash of the steering gear cannot be adjusted, install a new steering gear. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING»(ref-199532)
- Grasp the steering wheel firmly and move it up and down and to the left and right without turning the wheel to check for column bearing wear, steering wheel or steering column. For additional information, refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-199534)