Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1354

PL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
LOOSE STEERING
CONDITION
EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL
KICKBACK OR TO MUCH
STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.
2. Steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.
3. Worn, broken or loose steering
column to steering gear coupler.
4. Free play in steering column.
5. Loose front suspension control
arm ball joints.
6. Loose steering knuckle to ball
joint stud pinch bolt.
7. Front wheel bearings loose or
worn.
8. Loose outer tie rod ends.
9. Loose inner tie rod ends.
10 Defective steering gear rotary
valve.
STEERING
CORRECTION
1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir
to the specified level. Perform
procedure to bleed the air out of the
power steering system. Perform
leakage diagnosis.
2. Check steering rear to front
suspension crossmember mounting
bolts. Tighten to specified torque if
found to be loose.
3. Check for worn universal joint,
broken isolator or loose fasteners.
4.Check components of the steering
system and repair or replace as
required.
5. Check and or replace the ball joint
or control arm as required.
6. Check pinch bolts and tighten if
required to specified torque.
7. Tighten hub nut to specified
torque or replace with new parts as
necessary.
8. Check free play of outer tie rod
ends and replace if required.
9. Replace steering gear assembly.
10. Replace steering gear assembly.
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