Chrysler PT Cruiser Service & Repair Manual page 1352

19 - 6 STEERING
STEERING (Continued)
CONDITION
STIFF, HARD TO TURN,
SURGE, MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN EFFORT
WHEN TURNING.
STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT RETURN TO
CENTER POSITION.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
3. Lack of lubrication in front
suspension control arm ball joints.
4. Lack of lubrication in steering gear
outer tie rod ends.
5. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.
6. Faulty power steering pump flow
control (Follow Power Steering
System Flow and Pressure Test
procedure).
7. Excessive friction in steering
column or intermediate shaft.
8. Binding upper strut bearing.
9. Excessive friction in power
steering gear.
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. 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.
CORRECTION
3. 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.
4. Lubricate tie rod ends if they are not a
lubricated for life type. If tie rod end is a
lubricated for life type, replace tie rod end.
5. Check and replace automatic belt
tensioner as necessary. If drive belt is worn
or glazed, replace belt.
6. Replace power steering pump.
7. Isolate and correct condition.
8. Disassemble strut assembly. Correct
binding condition in strut bearing or replace
bearing.
9. Replace power steering gear.
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. Check and replace automatic belt
tensioner as necessary. 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 ball
joint or 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.
PT