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STEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STEERING
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM . . 1
OPERATION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
STEERING SYSTEM FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST......................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS............3SPECIFICATIONS
POWER STEERING FASTENER TORQUE . . . 9
SPECIAL TOOLS
POWER STEERING....................9
COLUMN..............................10
GEAR.................................26
PUMP.................................36
STEERING
DESCRIPTION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
This vehicle comes with power steering as stan-
dard equipment. The power steering system consists
of these major components:
²POWER STEERING PUMP
²POWER STEERING GEAR
²POWER STEERING FLUID
²POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER
²POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
²POWER STEERING FLUID SUPPLY HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
²POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
For information on the first two components, refer
to their respective sections within this service man-
ual group. Information on all other components can
be found in POWER STEERING PUMP.
OPERATION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into lin-
ear (side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the
helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the
steering gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the
tie rods to change the direction of the vehicle's front
wheels.
Power assist steering is provided by a belt driven
rotary type pump. It directs fluid through power
steering fluid hoses to the power steering gear where
it is used to assist the driver's turning effort.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be main-
tained if power steering assist is lost. However,
under this condition, steering effort is significantly
increased.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
ALL ENGINES
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-
sure. This test is to be performed to determine if the
power steering pump or power steering gear is not
functioning properly. The following flow and pressure
test is performed using the Power Steering Analyzer
Kit, Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 1), hoses, Special Tools
6905 and 6959, and fittings from adapter kit, Special
Tool 6893.
Fig. 1 Power Steering Analyzer With Hoses Installed
1 - OUTLET
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6815
3 - INLET
RSSTEERING19-1
Page 1547 of 2585

Assemble hoses on Power Steering Analyzer, Spe-
cial Tool 6815, as shown. Install Pressure Hose, Spe-
cial Tool 6905 (in 6893 kit), in the inlet fitting on
Power Steering Analyzer. Install Pressure Hose, Spe-
cial Tool 6713 (in 6815 kit) on Pressure Hose, Special
Tool 6905. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959,
in the outlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer.
Install the following adapters from Adapter Set,
Special Tool 6893 (Fig. 2), on the analyzer hose ends:
Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844, on Pres-
sure Hose, Special Tool 6713. Install Adapter Fitting,
Special Tool 6826, on Pressure Hose, Special Tool
6959.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, safety gog-
gles should be worn at all times when performing
any test procedures on the power steering pump or
power steering gear.
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on the vehi-
cle.
(1) Check belt tension and adjust as necessary.
(2) Disconnect the power steering fluid pressure
hose from the power steering pump (Fig. 3) (Fig. 4).
(3) Connect Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844,
attached to pressure hose from inlet (gauge end) of
Power Steering Analyzer to the pressure fitting on
the power steering pump.
(4) Connect vehicle power steering fluid pressure
hose to Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6826, which
should be already installed in the outlet hose (valve
end) of Power Steering Analyzer.NOTE: During the next few steps, do not steer vehi-
cle as air will be forced into the steering gear.
(5) Completely open valve on Power Steering Ana-
lyzer.
Fig. 2 Power Steering Analyzer Adapters 6893
Fig. 3 Pressure Hose Connection To Power Steering
Pump - 2.4L Engine
1 - POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
2 - POWER STEERING PUMP
3 - POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
Fig. 4 Supply & Pressure Hoses At Pump - 3.3L/3.8L
Engine
1 - PRESSURE HOSE AND FITTING
2 - SUPPLY HOSE AND CLAMP
3 - POWER STEERING PUMP
19 - 2 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
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(6) Start engine and let idle just long enough to
circulate power steering fluid through the analyzer
and hoses. Shut off engine.
(7) Check power steering fluid level and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle until the
air is out of the fluid.
(8) Gauge should read below 300 psi (2068 kPa). If
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure should be in the range
of 100-275 psi (689-1896 kPa) depending on fluid
temperature. The flow meter should read above 1.5
GPM.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than four seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
NOTE:
Power steering pump maximum pressure for
2.4L engines is 1,200 ± 1,350 psi (8,274 ± 9,308 kPa).
Power steering pump maximum pressure for all other
engines is 1,400 ± 1,500 psi (9,653 ± 10,342 kPa).
(9) Close analyzer valve fully three times and
record highest pressure indicated each time. All three
readings must be within specifications. If any of the
three power steering pump pressures are above orbelow specifications, replace pump. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - REMOVAL)
CAUTION: Do not force the steering to operate
against the stops for more than 4 seconds at a time
because pump damage can result.
(10) Once the pump has been verified as working
correctly, completely open the valve on the Power
Steering Analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to the
extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is
met. Hold it there for 2±4 seconds, then release it.
Now turn the steering wheel to the right until the
right stop is met. Hold it there for 2±4 seconds, then
release it. Record the stabilized pressure at each
position. Compare the recorded readings to the spec-
ifications. If the output pressures are not within 100
psi (689 kPa) of one another against either stop or
are below specifications, the steering gear is leaking
internally and must be replaced. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover POWER STEERING NOISE, STEERING
WHEEL FEEL, and POWER STEERING FLUID.
POWER STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONABLE HISS
OR WHISTLE*1. Damaged or mispositioned
steering column shaft/coupling dash
panel seal.1. Reposition or replace steering column
shaft/coupling dash panel seal.
2. Noisy valve in power steering
gear.2. Replace power steering gear.
3. Mis-routed power steering hose. 3. Check routing of power steering
hoses. Ensure hoses do not come in
unwanted contact with other components
and objects.
RATTLE OR EXCESSIVE
CLUNK**1. Power steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.1. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to
the specified torque.
2. Front suspension crossmember
mounting fasteners loose at frame.2. Tighten the front suspension
crossmember mounting fasteners to the
specified torque.
3. Loose tie rod (outer or inner). 3. Check tie rod pivot points for wear.
Replace worn/loose parts as required.
4. Loose lower control arm mounting
bolts at front suspension
crossmember.4. Tighten control arm mounting bolts to
the specified torques.
RSSTEERING19-3
STEERING (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
5. Lower control arm pivot bushing
worn.5. Replace lower control arm pivot
bushing.
6. Loose strut assembly mounting
fasteners at tower or knuckle.6. Tighten strut assembly fasteners to the
specified torque.
7. Power steering fluid hose touching
the body of the vehicle.7. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
attachments to specified torque. Do not
bend tubing.
8. Internal power steering gear
noise.8. Replace power steering gear.
9. Damaged front suspension
crossmember.9. Replace front suspension
crossmember.
10. Stabilizer bar link ball joints
worn.10. Replace stabilizer bar link.
11. Lug nuts loose. 11. Tighten lug nuts to specifications.
12. Excessive Wheel bearing
free-play.12. Verify correct driveshaft hub nut
torque. Replace bearing if torque is okay.
POPPING NOISE 1. Worn outer tie rod. 1. Check ball joint for free-play; Replace
outer tie rod.
2. Loose inner tie rod. 2. Replace power steering gear.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL
(POWER STEERING
PUMP)1. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.1. Check and adjust power steering
pump drive belt to specifications or
replace automatic tensioner where
applicable. Replace belt if worn or
glazed.
2. Malfuctioning belt auto-tensioner 2. Replace belt auto-tensioner.
WHINE, GROWL, MOAN
OR GROAN (POWER
STEERING PUMP)***1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level and check for leaks (make
sure all air is bled from the system fluid).
2. Power steering hose touching
vehicle body or frame.2. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
fitting to specified torque. Do not bend
tubing. Replace hose if damaged.
3. Extreme wear of power steering
pump internal components.3. Replace power steering pump and
flush system as necessary.
4. Extremely low ambient
temperature.4. Some noise can be expected, but will
go away as vehicle warms. Replace
pump if noise is excessive.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose clamp on power steering
fluid return hose.1. Tighten or replace hose clamp.
2. Missing O-Ring on power steering
hose connection.2. Inspect connection and replace O-Ring
as required.
3. Low power steering fluid level. 3. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level and check for leaks.
4. Loose clamp on fluid supply hose. 4. Tighten or replace hose clamp.
19 - 4 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SQUEAK OR RUBBING
SOUND1. Steering column shroud rubbing. 1. Realign shrouds as necessary.
2. Steering column shaft rubbing. 2. Move or realign item rubbing shaft.
3. Clockspring noisy. 3. Remove clockspring. Reinstall wheel.
If noise is gone, replace clockspring.
4. Seal lubrication inadequate. 4. Lube seal (if external).
5. Steering gear internally noisy. 5. Replace steering gear (if no other
cause can be found).
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING NOISE.1. Incorrect tire or wheel size. 1. Replace incorrect size tire or wheel
with size used as original equipment.
2. Interference between steering
gear and other vehicle components.2. Check for bent or misaligned
components and correct as necessary.
3. Steering gear internal stops worn
excessively allowing tires to be
steered excessively far.3. Replace steering gear.
NOTE: * There is some noise in all power steering
systems. One of the most common is a hissing
sound evident when turning the steering wheel
when at a standstill or when parking and the steer-
ing wheel is at the end of its travel. Hiss is a very
high frequency noise similar to that experienced
while slowly closing a water tap. The noise is
present in every valve and results when high veloc-
ity fluid passes valve orifice edges. There is no
relationship between this noise and the perfor-
mance of the steering system.NOTE: ** A light clunk may be felt or heard during
steering wheel reversal while vehicle is stationary.
This results from internal steering gear rack move-
ment at the bushings and in no way affects the per-
formance of the steering system. This movement
may be felt in the steering components during
steering wheel reversal.
NOTE: *** Power steering pump growl/moan/groan
results from the development of high pressure fluid
flow. Normally this noise level should not be high
enough to be objectionable.
STEERING WHEEL FEEL
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL/
COLUMN CLICKING,
CLUNKING OR RATTLING.1. Loose steering coupling pinch
bolt.1. Replace pinch bolt and torque to
specifications.
2. Steering column bearings. 2. Replace steering column.
3. Excessive intermediate shaft
coupling free-play.3. Replace intermediate shaft.
STEERING WHEEL HAS
FORE AND AFT
LOOSENESS.1. Steering wheel retaining nut not
properly tightened and torqued.1. Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut
to its specified torque.
2. Steering column lower bearing
spring retainer slipped on steering
column shaft.2. Replace steering column.
3. Loose steering column to
instrument panel fasteners.3. Tighten fasteners to specified torque.
RSSTEERING19-5
STEERING (Continued)
Page 1551 of 2585

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL, DASH
OR VEHICLE VIBRATES
DURING LOW SPEED OR
STANDSTILL STEERING
MANEUVERS.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Tires not properly inflated. 2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Excessive engine vibration. 3. Ensure that the engine is tuned properly.
4. Loose tie rod end jam nut. 4. Tighten the inner to outer tie rod jam nut
to the specified torque.
5.Overcharged air conditioning
system.5.Check air conditioning pump head
pressure and correct as necessary.
6. Grounded engine mount. 6. Repair as necessary.
7. Loose outer tie rod. 7. Replace outer tie rod.
STEERING CATCHES,
SURGES OR STICKS IN
CERTAIN POSITIONS OR
IS DIFFICULT TO TURN.
***1. Low power steering fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
specified level and check for leaks.
2. Tires not inflated to specified
pressure.2. Inflate tires to the specified pressure.
3. Lack of lubrication in front lower
control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated-for-life type ball joint. If ball joint
is a lubricated-for-life ball joint, replace ball
joint.
4. Worn or binding lower control arm
ball joint.4. Replace lower control arm ball joint.
5. Lack of lubrication in steering gear
outer tie rod ends.5. Lubricate tie rod ends if they are not a
lubricated-for-life type. If tie rod end is a
lubricated-for-life type, replace tie rod end.
6. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.6. Tighten the power steering pump drive
belt to specifications or replace automatic
tensioner where applicable. If drive belt is
worn or glazed, replace belt.
7. Faulty power steering pump
(Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test).7. Replace power steering pump.
8. Faulty power steering gear
(Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test).8. Replace power steering gear.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column or intermediate shaft/coupler.9. Isolate and correct condition.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
11. Worn or binding seat and bearing
in front strut assembly.11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
19 - 6 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
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CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT RETURN TO
CENTER POSITION.1. Tires not inflated properly. 1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust wheel alignment as
necessary.
3. Lack of lubrication causing binding
in front lower control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint, then
inspect ball joint for wear, replace lower
control arm as necessary. If ball joint is a
lubricated for life ball joint, replace lower
control arm ball joint.
4. Steering column coupling joints
misaligned.4. Realign steering column coupling joints.
5. Steering wheel rubbing.** 5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Damaged, mispositioned or
unlubricated steering column coupler
to dash seal.**6. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash
seal.
7. Binding mount bearing in front
strut assembly.7. Replace mount bearing in front strut
assembly.
8. Binding shaft bearing in steering
column.8. Replace the steering column.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column coupling.9. Replace steering column coupling.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.10. Replace power steering gear.
EXCESSIVE STEERING
WHEEL KICKBACK OR
TOO MUCH STEERING
WHEEL FREE PLAY.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Bleed air from system following the the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Power steering gear loose on
cradle/crossmember.2. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to the
specified torque.
3. Steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft worn, broken or
loose.3. Replace steering column coupling or
intermediate shaft.
4. Free play in steering column. 4. Check all components of the steering
column and repair or replace as required.
5. Worn lower control arm ball joints. 5. Replace lower control arm ball joints as
required.
6. Loose steering knuckle-to-ball joint
stud pinch bolt.6. Inspect pinch bolt, replace as necessary,
and tighten to specified torque.
7.
Front wheel bearing loose or worn.7. Replace hub and bearing as necessary.
8. Loose outer tie rod end. 8. Replace outer tie rod end that has
excessive free play.
9. Loose inner tie rod. 9. Replace power steering gear.
10. Defective steering gear rotary
valve.10. Replace power steering gear.
RSSTEERING19-7
STEERING (Continued)