Chrysler 1997 Stratus Convertible RHD Service Manual page 919

JX
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
LOW ASSIST, NO ASSIST, HARD STEERING
CONDITION
STIFF, HARD TO TURN, SURGES,
MOMENTARY INCREASE IN
EFFORT WHEN TURNING.
POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
RETURN TO CENTER POSITION.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Tires not properly inflated.
2. Low power steering fluid level.
3. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.
4. Lack of lubrication in control arm
ball joints.
5. Worn upper or lower ball joint.
6. Low power steering pump pressure.
(Verify using Power Steering System
Test Procedure)
7. High internal leak in steering gear
assembly.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Tires not
inflated to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment.
3. Steering column U-joints
misaligned.
4.
Mispositioned dash cover.
5. Steering wheel rubbing.
6. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column
coupler to dash seal.
7. Tight shaft bearing
in steering column assembly.
8. Excessive friction in steering
column coupler.
9. Excessive friction in steering gear.
STEERING
CORRECTION
1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Add power steering fluid as required
to power steering fluid reservoir to
obtain proper level. Perform leakage
diagnosis on power steering system.
3. Tighten the power steering pump
drive belt to the specified tension. If
drive belt is defective, replace and
correctly tension.
4. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are
not a lubricated for life type ball joint. If
ball joint is a lubricated for life ball
joint, replace ball joint or control arm.
5. Replace the upper and/or lower
control arm.
6. Verify cause using the Power
Steering System Test Procedure.
Replace the power steering pump if
necessary.
7. Check steering system using the
Power Steering System Test
Procedure. If steering gear is defective
replace steering gear.
CORRECTION
1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Check and adjust as necessary.
3. Realign steering column U-joints.
4. Reposition dash cover.
To
evaluate items 6 and 7, disconnect
the intermediate shaft. Turn the
steering wheel and feel or listen for
internal rubbing in steering column.
5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Determine condition which exists
and correct.
7. Replace the steering column
assembly.
8. Replace steering column coupler.
9. Replace steering gear.
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