Dodge Intrepid Service Manual page 484

LH
STEERING (Continued)
CONDITION
STIFF, HARD TO TURN,
SURGE, MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN EFFORT
WHEN TURNING.
STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT RETURN TO
CENTER POSITION.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
6. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.
7. Faulty power steering pump flow
control (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).
8. Excessive friction in steering
column or intermediate shaft/coupler.
9. Binding lower control arm ball
joint.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.
11. Worn/binding seat and bearing in
front strut assembly.
1. Tires not properly inflated.
2. Low power steering fluid level.
3. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.
4. Lack of lubrication in lower control
arm ball joints.
5. Low power steering pump
pressure (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).
6. High internal leak in power
steering gear (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).
1. Tires not inflated properly.
2. Improper front wheel alignment.
3. Lack of lubrication/binding in front
lower control arm ball joints.
CORRECTION
6. Tighten the power steering pump drive
belt to specifications. If drive belt is worn or
glazed, replace belt.
7. Replace power steering pump.
8. Isolate and correct condition.
9. Replace the lower control arm.
10. Replace power steering gear.
11. Replace seat and bearing in front strut
assembly.
1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Add power steering fluid as required to
power steering fluid reservoir to obtain
proper level. Check for leaks.
3. Tighten the power steering pump drive
belt to specifications. If drive belt is worn or
glazed, replace belt.
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
lower control arm.
5. Replace the power steering pump as
necessary.
6. Replace power steering gear.
1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Check and adjust wheel alignment as
necessary.
3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint, then
inspect ball joint for wear, replace lower
control arm as necessary. If ball joint is a
lubricated for life ball joint, replace lower
control arm.
STEERING 19 - 7