Power Steering Symptom Troubleshooting

Symptom	Procedure(s)		Also check for
Hard steering	Troubleshoot the system.		Modified suspension Damaged suspension Tire sizes, tire varieties, and air pressure
Assist (excessively light steering at high speed)	Check the rack guide adjustment.		Front wheel alignment
Shock or vibration when the steering wheel is turned to full lock	1. 2. 3. 4.	Check the rack guide adjustment. Check the drive belt for slippage: R18A1 engine model, K20Z2 engine model. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure. Overhaul the steering gearbox.
Steering wheel will not return smoothly	1. 2. 3. 4.	Check cylinder lines for deformation. Check the ball joints for binding. Check wheel alignment. Overhaul the steering gearbox.
Uneven or rough steering	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.	Check the rack guide adjustment. Check the drive belt: R18A1 engine model, K20Z2 engine model. Check for low or erratic engine idle speed: R18A engine model, K20Z2 engine model. Check for air in the power steering system due to air entering inlet side of pump. Check for low fluid level in the power steering reservoir due to possible leaks in system. Overhaul the steering gearbox.
Steering wheel kicks back during wide turns	1. 2.	Check the drive belt: R18A1 engine model, K20Z2 engine model. Check the power steering pump fluid pressure.
Humming noise from the power steering system	1. 2. 3. 4. 5.	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 turned with the vehicle stopped, this is normal due to the fluid pulsation. Check for the high-pressure hose touching the subframe or body. Check for automatic transmission converter noise (A/T). Check for air bubbles in the power steering fluid, leak on inlet side of pump. Check for particle contamination of fluid and restricted filter in the reservoir.	Pump pressure
Power steering rack rattle or chattering	1. 2. 3. 4.	Check for loose steering components (tie-rod and ball joints). Tighten or replace as necessary. Check the steering column shaft for wobbling. If the steering column wobbles, replace the steering column assembly. Check the rack guide adjustment. Check the power steering pump pulley: If the pulley is loose, tighten it. If the pump shaft is loose, replace the pump.

Symptom	Procedure(s)		Also check for
Hissing from the power steering system	Check the fluid level. If low, fill the reservoir to the proper level and check for leaks. Check the reservoir for leaks. Check for crushed inlet hose or loose hose clamp allowing air into the suction side of the system. Check the power steering pump shaft oil seal for leaks.		Air in the P/S fluid
Noise from the power steering pump	Compare the pump noise at normal operating temperature to another like vehicle (pump noise for 2-3 minutes after starting the engine in cold weather is normal). Remove and inspect the pump for wear and damage.		P/S pump pressure Air in the P/S fluid
Squeaking from the power steering pump	Check the drive belt: R18A1 engine model, K20Z2 engine model.
Fluid leaks from the steering gearbox	Fluid leaks from the top of the valve body unit. Overhaul the valve body unit. Fluid leaks from the driver's side boot. Replace the valve oil seal on the pinion shaft. Replace the cylinder end seal on the gearbox side. Fluid leaks from the passenger's side boot. Replace the cylinder end seal on the cylinder side. Fluid leaks from pinion shaft near the lower steering joint bolt. Overhaul the valve body unit. Fluid leaks from the steering damping valve covers on the valve body unit. Replace the valve housing.
Fluid leaks from the power steering line	Fluid leaks from the cylinder line connections (flare nuts). Tighten the connection and retest. Fluid leaks from a damaged cylinder lines. Replace the cylinder line. Fluid leaks from the pump outlet hose or return line fitting on the valve body unit (flare nuts). Tighten the fitting and retest. If it still leaks, replace the hose, the line, or valve body unit as necessary.
Fluid leaks from the power steering pump	Fluid leaks from the front oil seal. Replace the front oil seal. Fluid leaks from the power steering pump housing. Replace the leaking O-rings or seals, and if necessary replace the power steering pump.
Fluid leaks from the power steering reservoir	Fluid leaks from around the reservoir cap because fluid level is too high. Drain the reservoir to the proper level. If the fluid is aerated check for an air leak on the inlet side of pump. Fluid leaks from reservoir. Check for the reservoir for cracks and replace as necessary.
Fluid leaks from the power steering pump outlet hose (high-pressure)	Check the fitting for loose bolts. If the bolts are tight, replace the fitting O-ring. Fluid leaks at the swagged joint. Replace the pump outlet hose.
Fluid leaks from the power steering pump inlet hose (low-pressure)	Check the hose for damage, deterioration, or improper assembly. Replace or repair as necessary.