Poor Return of Steering Wheel
 
  
 
 
  
   
    
     |  | Poor Return of Steering Wheel | 
   
  
  
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
   
   
    
    
     
      
      
      
      
     
     
      
       | Step | Action | Yes | No | 
      
       | DEFINITION: After completing a turn, extra steering input is required for the steering wheel to return to center. 
 
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       | 1 
 
 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | Go to
         
          Power Steering System Description and Operation 
 
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       | 2 
 
 | Verify that poor return of the steering wheel is present. 
 Does the system operate normally?
 
 
 | System OK 
 
 | Go to 
 
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       | 3 
 
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            | 2. | Lubricate the tie rod ends and ball joints, if applicable. 
 
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            | 3. | Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components. 
 
 |  Did you find and correct the condition?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | Go to 
 
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       | 4 
 
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            | 1. | Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in both directions. 
 
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            | 2. | Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. 
 
 |  Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | Go to 
 
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       | 5 
 
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            | Note |  
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              Position the wheels straight ahead. Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution from center.
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            | 1. | Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering column. 
 
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            | 2. | Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in both directions. 
 
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            | 3. | Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. 
 
 |  Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | Go to 
 
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       | 6 
 
 | Inspect the intermediate shaft for stiff or loose joints. Repair or replace as necessary. 
 Did you find and complete the repair?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | Go to 
 
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       | 7 
 
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            | 2. | Disconnect both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. 
 
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            | 3. | Use your hands in order to move the tie rod end studs. 
 
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            | 4. | If abnormally difficult to move, replace the tie rod end. 
 
 |  Did you find and complete the repair?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | Go to 
 
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       | 8 
 
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            | 1. | Use your hands to rotate the steering knuckle inboard and outboard in order to inspect for a binding strut bearings, ball joints, or axle. 
 
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            | 2. | Repair or replace any abnormally stiff or loose components. 
 
 |  Did you find and complete the repair?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | Go to 
 
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       | 9 
 
 | Inspect for binding in the steering gear. If a binding is present repair or replace the steering gear. 
 Did you find and complete the repair?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | Go to 
 
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       | 10 
 
 | Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to
         
          Wheel Alignment Measurement
         
         . 
 Did you find and complete the repair?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | - 
 
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       | 11 
 
 | Inspect the steering column for a binding. If a binding is present, repair or replace the steering column as necessary. 
 Did you find and complete the repair?
 
 
 | Go to 
 
 | - 
 
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       | 12 
 
 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. 
 Did you correct the condition?
 
 
 | System OK 
 
 | - 
 
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