Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001 Service Manual Supplement page 1138

PT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
CONDITION
EXCESSIVE STEERING
WHEEL KICKBACK OR
TOO MUCH STEERING
WHEEL FREE PLAY.
NOTE: * Steering shudder can be expected in new
vehicles and vehicles with recent steering system
repairs. Shudder should dissipate after the vehicle
has been driven several weeks.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
3. Lack of lubrication in front
suspension control arm ball joints.
4. Steering column coupling joints
misaligned.
5. Steering wheel rubbing.**
6. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column
coupler to dash seal.**
7. Binding upper strut bearing.
8. Tight shaft bearing in steering
column.
9. Excessive friction in steering
column coupling.
10. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.
1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.
2. Power steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.
3. Steering column coupling worn,
broken or loose.
4. Free play in steering column.
5. Worn 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
3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints are not a
lubricated for life type of ball joint. If ball
joint is a lubricated for life ball joint, replace
ball joint or control arm.
4. Realign steering column coupling joints.
5. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
6. Replace, reposition, or lubricate dash
seal.
7. Disassemble strut assembly. Correct
binding condition in strut bearing or replace
bearing.
8. Replace the steering column.
9. Replace steering column coupling.
10. Replace power steering gear.
1. Bleed air from system following the the
power steering pump initial operation
service procedure.*
2. Inspect power steering gear mounting
bolts. Replace as necessary. Tighten to the
specified torque.
3. Replace steering column coupling.
4. Check all components of the steering
system and repair or replace as required.
5. Replace ball joint or control arm as
required.
6. Inspect pinch bolts, replace as
necessary, and tighten to specified torque.
7. Replace wheel bearing or knuckle as
necessary.
8. Replace outer tie rod ends that have
excessive free play.
9. Replace power steering gear.
10. Replace power steering gear.
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