Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual page 721

Visual Inspection Chart
Loose tie-rod ends
Loose suspension components
Loose steering column shaft universal joints
Loose column intermediate shaft bolts
Steering gear
Binding or misaligned steering column
Power steering pump
Bent or pinched power steering hoses
9. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported malfunction is found, correct the cause (if
possible) before proceeding to the next step.
10. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and proceed to the following symptom
chart.
Steering System Symptom Definitions
Drift/Pull
Pull is a tugging sensation, felt by the hands on the steering wheel, that must be overcome to keep the
vehicle going straight.
Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with hands off the steering wheel.
A vehicle-related drift/pull, on a flat road, will cause a consistent deviation from the straight-
ahead path and require constant steering input in the opposite direction to counteract the effect.
Drift/pull may be induced by conditions external to the vehicle (i.e., wind, road camber).
Excessive Steering Wheel Play
Excessive steering wheel play is a condition in which there is too much steering wheel movement
before the wheels move. A small amount of steering wheel free play is considered normal.
Feedback
Feedback is a roughness felt in the steering wheel when the vehicle is driven over rough pavement.
Hard Steering or Lack of Assist
Hard steering or lack of assist is experienced when the steering wheel effort exceeds specifications.
Hard steering can remain constant through the full turn or occur near the end of a turn. It is important
to know the difference between hard steering/lack of assist and binding.
Hard steering or lack of assist can result from either hydraulic or mechanical conditions. It is extremely
important to know if this concern occurs during driving, during very heavy or static parking maneuvers.
Nibble
Sometimes confused with shimmy, nibble is a condition resulting from tire interaction with various road
surfaces and observed by the driver as small rotational oscillations of the steering wheel.
Poor Returnability/Sticky Steering
Mechanical