Condition | Possible Cause | Correction |
| Hard Steering | Low tire pressure | Inflate tires to correct pressure |
| Improper front suspension alignment | Re-align to specifications |
| High internal leakage (pump or gear) | Check pump pressure; replace affected pump parts or replace complete pump |
| Low oil level in reservoir | Add recommended type of P/S oil to proper level |
| Pump belt loose or glazed | Tighten or replace belt |
| Lack of lubricant in suspension or ball joints | Lubricate or replace parts as needed |
| Overcenter adjustment too tight | Readjust to specifications |
| Spool valve or flow control valve plugged or sticking | Clean or replace as required |
| Steering gear coupler to column is misaligned | Align steering column |
| Momentary increase in steering wheel effort when turned rapidly | Fluid level low in reservoir | Check level; Add recommended type of P/S oil to proper level |
| Pump belt slipping | Tighten or replace belt |
| High internal leakage | Check pump pressure; replace affected pump parts or replace complete pump |
| Steering wheel surges or jerks with engine running, especially at slow speeds | Pump belt loose | Tighten or replace belt |
| Low oil level in reservoir | Check level; Add recommended type of P/S oil to proper level |
| Engine idle too slow | Raise idle as required |
| Air in the system | Check all P/S hose connections and pump for leaks |
| Insufficient pump pressure | Check pump pressure; replace affected pump parts or replace complete pump |
| Flow control valve sticks | Check valve for dirt or burrs; replace as needed |
| Steering linkage hitting obstruction | Locate obstruction and repair |
| Sticky flow control valve | Inspect for varnish or damage; clean or replace as necessary |
| Excessive steering wheel return or loose steering | Air in the system | Add P/S fluid to system and bleed the system; check all connections and hoses for leaks |
| Excessive overcenter lash | Adjust to specifications |
| Loose steering gear mounting | Retourque mounting bolts |
| Steering linkage is worn or damaged | Inspect and replace affected parts |
| Steering coupler is loose or damaged | Inspect, tighten or replace as required |
| Loose thrust bearing preload adjustment | Adjust to specifications |
| Loose or damaged front wheel bearings | Inspect, adjust or replace as required |
| Vehicle wandering from side to side | Front end misaligned | Check and align to specifications |
| Worn front end parts or wheel bearings | Inspect and replace affected parts |
| Unbalanced or badly worn steering gear control valve | Inspect and replace affected parts |
| Poor steering wheel return | Tires underinflated | Inflate tires to correct pressure |
| Steering gear adjustment too tight | Check adjustment with pitman arm disconnected; readjust if necessary |
| Front end misaligned | Check and align to specifications |
| Steering coupler misaligned, hitting obstruction or damaged | Inspect, adjust or replace affected parts |
| Binding or lack of lubrication in steering linkage or ball joints | Inspect, lubricate or replace affected parts |
| Sticky or plugged steering gear spool valve | Clean or replace |
| Internal leakage in steering gear | Inspect seals, replace as required or overhaul steering gear |
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