Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Preliminary Inspection
- Verify the customer concern.
- Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage or leaks.
Visual Inspection Check
- Fluid level
- Tire pressure
- Tires
- Drive belt
- Drive belt tensioner
- Steering column alignment
- Tie-rod ends
- Suspension components
- Steering column shaft U-joints
- Intermediate shaft bolts
- Power steering reservoir baffle
- Power steering reservoir screen
- Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
- Power steering return hoses and clamps
- Steering gear
- Power steering pump
- Power steering fluid cooler (if equipped)
- Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
- Aeration or foam: Purge the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Purging .
- Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Flushing .
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NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.
Check the fluid level and clean the power steering components. With the ignition OFF:
- check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Automatic Transmission Fluid (WSS-M2C938-A;MERCON ® LV)
- wipe off any visible signs of fluid or residue build up.
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NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for more than 5 seconds. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times.
- Visually inspect the power steering hydraulic line/hose connections for damage or leaks.
- If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting or clamp plate joint, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the O-rings or Teflon ® seals. Install new O-rings or Teflon ® seals as necessary.
- If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting. Make sure that the constant tension spring clamp is positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
- Visually inspect the power steering components for leaks.
- If a leak is detected in the power steering pressure line or return hose, install a new power steering pressure line or hose.
- If a leak is detected in the steering gear turn tubes, repair or install new turn tubes.
- If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to: Power Steering Pump - 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel . or REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.8L Triton-30V - V10 .
- If a leak is detected in the steering gear, repair or install a new steering gear. Refer to: Steering Gear - Vehicles With: Hydro-Boost™ .
- If a leak is detected in the power steering cooler, install a new cooler. Refer to: Power Steering Fluid Cooler .
- For information on power steering leak detection, refer to Component Tests .
- If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding.
- If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart - Steering System or GO to Symptom Chart - NVH .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.