Symptoms
The following symptoms may indicate that the power steering system is
leaking:
• | Power steering fluid leakage is on the floor. |
• | Power steering fluid leaks are visible on the power steering system. |
• | A growling noise is heard either during parking or while the engine
is cold. |
• | Power steering is lost during parking. |
• | Steering effort is heavy. |
Inspection Procedure
Complete the following steps in order to inspect the power steering
system for an external leak:
- Wipe the suspected area dry.
- Inspect the reservoir for overfill.
- Inspect the power steering system for the following conditions:
• | Power steering fluid aeration |
- Inspect the following components. Replace or tighten the components
as needed:
- Verify the exact point of the leakage. The point from which the
fluid is dripping may be different from the point where the system is leaking.
Complete the following steps in order to locate any seepage-type leaks:
5.1. | Turn the engine to the OFF position. |
5.2. | Wipe the entire power steering system dry. |
5.3. | Inspect the pump reservoir fluid level. |
Add fluid as needed.
| Important: Do not hold the steering wheel at a stop for any length of time. Damage
to the power steering pump may result.
|
5.5. | Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times, with the aid
of an assistant. |
5.6. | Inspect the power steering system for the power steering leak. |
- Complete the following steps when service is required:
6.1. | Clean the leakage area prior to the disassembly procedure. |
6.2. | Replace the leaking seal. |
6.3. | Inspect the component sealing surfaces for damage. |
6.4. | Tighten the bolts to specification. |
6.5. | Bleed the power steering system. |
Refer to
Power Steering System Bleeding
.
Diagnostic Procedure
- Inspect the power steering
lines (1) for proper torque.
Tighten
Tighten the power steering lines fittings (1) to 27 N·m
(20 lb ft).
- If the system continues to leak, complete the following steps:
2.1. | Replace the O-ring seal (1). |
2.2. | If the leakage is due to damaged threads, repair the fitting nut
or replace the line. |
2.3. | If the housing threads are badly damaged, replace the housing. |
- If the leak is present at the stub shaft (3) replace the
following components:
3.2. | The stub shaft seals (2) |
- Perform a power steering gear replacement if any of the following
conditions exist:
• | A leak is present between the torsion bar and the stub shaft. |
• | A leak is present at the drivers side. The direction of the turn
does not affect the leak. |
• | A leak is present at the housing ends. The leak spurts when the
wheel is bottomed in a left turn. |