Turning Effort Test

2009 Mercury Milan Premier, 3.0 1, AWDSECTION Turning Effort Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Make sure that the front wheels are correctly aligned and the tire pressure is correct before checking the steering effort.
  1. Park the vehicle on dry concrete and set the parking brake.
  2. Insert a thermometer into the power steering fluid reservoir.
  3. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
  4. Idle the engine for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times to warm the fluid to 50--60Β°C (122--140Β°F).
  5. With the engine running, attach the spring scale to the rim of the steering wheel.
  6. Measure the pull required to turn the steering wheel one complete revolution in each direction. REFER to General SpecificationsΒ , steering wheel turning effort.
RENDER: 1.0x

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:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.