MANUAL STEERING GEAR TROUBLESHOOTING

General Auto Repair

This is general trouble shooting information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. The purpose of this Trouble Shooting information is to provide a list of common causes to problem symptoms.

Rattle or Chucking Noise in Rack and Pinion

• Rack and pinion mounting bracket loose: Tighten all mounting bolts
• Lack of/or incorrect lubricant: Correct as necessary
• Steering gear mounting bolts loose: Tighten all mounting bolts

Excessive Play

• Front wheel bearing improperly adjusted
• Loose or worn steering linkage
• Loose or worn steering gear shift
• Steering arm loose on gear shaft
• Steering gear housing bolts loose: Tighten all mounting bolts
• Steering gear adjustment too loose
• Steering arms loose on knuckles: Tighten and check steering linkage
• Rack and pinion mounting loose: Tighten all mounting bolts
• Rack and pinion out of adjustment
• Tie rod end loose: Tighten and check steering linkage
• Excessive Pitman shaft-to-ball nut lash: Repair as necessary

Poor Returnability

• Lack of lubricant in ball joint or linkage: Lubricate and service systems
• Binding in linkage or ball joints
• Improper front end wheel alignment
• Improper tire pressure: Inflate to proper pressure
• Tie rod binding: Inflate to proper pressure
• Shaft seal rubbing shaft

Excessive Vertical Motion

• Improper tire pressure: Inflate to proper pressure
• Tires, wheels or rotors out of balance: Balance tires then check wheels and rotors
• Worn or faulty shock absorbers: Check and replace if necessary
• Loose tie rod ends or steering: Tighten or replace if necessary
• Loose or worn wheel bearings

Steering Pulls to One Side

• Improper tire pressure: Inflate to proper pressure
• Front tires are different sizes: Rotate or replace if necessary
• Wheel bearings not adjusted properly
• Bent or broken suspension components
• Improper wheel alignment
• Brakes dragging

Instability

• Low or uneven tire pressure: Inflate to proper pressure
• Loose or worn wheel bearings
• Loose or worn idler arm bushing
• Loose or worn strut bushings
• Incorrect front wheel alignment
• Steering gear not centered
• Springs or shock: Check and replace if necessary
• Improper cross shaft

General Auto Repair

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