Remart Auto Parts Blog

There can be many reasons that you are having steering problems.  The following chart can help you decide where your problem lies.  Many times simply repairing a leaky hose can solve the issue.  Check here Diagnostic Chart  Condition Possible Cause  Correction  Hard Steering  Low tire pressure  Inflate tires to correct pressure  Improper front suspension alignment  Re-align to specifications  High internal leakage (pump or gear)  Check pump pressure; replace affected pump parts or replace complete pump  Low oil level in reservoir  Add recommended type of P/S oil to proper level  Pump belt loose or glazed  Tighten or replace belt  Lack of lubricant in suspension or ball joints  Lubricate or replace parts as needed  Overcenter adjustment too tight  Readjust to specifications  Spool valve or flow control valve plugged or sticking  Clean or replace as required  Steering gear coupler to column is misaligned  Align steering column  Momentary increase in steering wheel effort when turned rapidly  Fluid level low in reservoir  Check level; Add recommended type of P/S oil to proper level  Pump belt slipping  Tighten or replace belt  High internal leakage  Check pump pressure; replace affected pump parts or replace complete pump   Steering wheel surges or jerks with engine running, especially at slow speeds  Pump belt loose  Tighten or replace belt  Low oil level in reservoir  Check level; Add recommended type of P/S oil to proper level  Engine idle too slow  Raise idle as required  Air in the system  Check all P/S hose connections and pump for leaks  Insufficient pump pressure  Check pump pressure; replace affected pump parts or replace complete pump   Flow control valve sticks  Check valve for dirt or burrs; replace as needed  Steering linkage hitting obstruction  Locate obstruction and repair  Sticky flow control valve  Inspect for varnish or damage; clean or replace as necessary  Excessive steering wheel return or loose steering  Air in the system  Add P/S fluid to system and bleed the system; check all connections and hoses for leaks  Excessive overcenter lash  Adjust to specifications  Loose steering gear mounting  Retourque mounting bolts  Steering linkage is worn or damaged  Inspect and replace affected parts  Steering coupler is loose or damaged  Inspect, tighten or replace as required  Loose thrust bearing preload adjustment  Adjust to specifications  Loose or damaged front wheel bearings  Inspect, adjust or replace as required  Vehicle wandering from side to side  Front end misaligned  Check and align to specifications  Worn front end parts or wheel bearings  Inspect and replace affected parts  Unbalanced or badly worn steering gear control valve  Inspect and replace affected parts   Poor steering wheel return  Tires underinflated  Inflate tires to correct pressure   Steering gear adjustment too tight  Check adjustment with pitman arm disconnected; readjust if necessary  Front end misaligned  Check and align to specifications   Steering coupler misaligned, hitting obstruction or damaged  Inspect, adjust or replace affected parts   Binding or lack of lubrication in steering linkage or ball joints Inspect, lubricate or replace affected parts Sticky or plugged steering gear spool valve  Clean or replace  Internal leakage in steering gear  Inspect seals, replace as required or overhaul steering gear

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