necessary.
STEERING CATCHES,
SURGES OR STICKS IN
CERTAIN POSITIONS OR IS
DIFFICULT TO TURN.
1. Low power steering fluid
level.
1. Check fluid level and fill to proper
level as necessary. Check for leaks.
Make sure all air is bled from system.
2. Tire(s) not properly
inflated.
2. Check and inflate tires to the
specified pressure.
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3. Loose or slipping power
steering/accessory drive belt.
3. Verify belt tension. Replace belt
auto-tensioner and belt as necessary.
4. Lack of lubrication in
lower ball joint or ball joint is
damaged.
4. For evaluation, refer to
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
Lubricate ball joint if equipped with a
zerk fitting and check for function. If
not equipped with a zerk fitting, test
and replace ball joint as necessary.
5. Lack of lubrication in
steering gear outer tie rod end
(s).
5. For evaluation and correction, see
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.
6. Faulty power steering
pump.
6. Perform Power Steering Flow and
Pressure Test. See DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING. Look for low or erratic
flow or pressure. Replace power
steering pump as necessary.
7. Excessive friction in
intermediate shaft/coupler
joint.
7. Disconnect intermediate
shaft/coupler at steering gear and check
joint for smooth operation in all
directions. Replace intermediate
shaft/coupler joint.
8. Excessive friction in
steering column.
8. Disconnect intermediate
shaft/coupler at steering gear. Turn
steering wheel two revolutions in either
direction from on center and check for
smooth operation. DO NOT turn past
two revolutions. Damage to the
clockspring may occur. Replace
steering column as necessary.
9. Worn or binding seat and
bearing in front strut
assembly.
9. Disconnect outer tie rod ends from
knuckles, then turn tire and wheel
assembly checking for smooth
operation. Replace front strut assembly
seat and bearing.
-
10. Faulty steering gear.
10. With vehicle on hoist, tires
unsupported and engine off, steer gear
throughout travel and check for smooth
operation. Replace steering gear (only
after all previous components have
2007 Dodge Nitro R/T
2007 STEERING Steering System - Nitro