Steering problems can be a complicated subject for those not experienced in such things. If you encounter a steering problem think back to when it really began. Did it come on slowly or was it sudden? Did you hit something in the road or run through a deep pothole just before the problem appeared? If the power assist failed, can you still guide the vehicle while moving or not? Questions such as these may lead one to the source of the problem and sometimes will be asked by the service technician. Steering problems in general can be anything from suspension problems or alignment problems to outright gear failure. Wandering on the road without slack in the steering itself can signal loose or damaged suspension parts, some steering parts or wheel alignment problems. Look for a possible bent tie rod as too much toe out will make a vehicle wander on the road. Check the steer tires by rubbing your open palm back and forth across the tread. Sharp edges felt in one direction but not the other is a sign of toe problems. Pulling or drifting in one direction can signal camber or cross caster problems with possible worn or damaged ball joints, etc. Also look for slack in only one tie rod end or idler arm etc. Slack in one tie rod end can cause wander without necessarily causing steering slack. Idler arm slack can possibly do the same thing. Look for signs of damage or movement in all the suspension parts. If there is slack in the steering check out the steering components while someone else gently turns the steering wheel back and forth. Do not actually turn the tires but only move the steering wheel as much as the slack allows. Where you see movement of one part and not of the adjoining part will be the source of the slack ( note: some steering gears normally have a small amount of slack without the engine running). Look on the steering shaft (column shaft) just below the firewall and see if there is movement in the link located in that steering shaft. Check the pitman arm for slack (draglink on larger vehicles). If there is slack with the engine running, check to see if the output shaft moves on the steering gear when the input shaft moves. Follow on through all the steering parts in like manner. If there is complete or partial failure of the power assist, be sure to check the power steering fluid level and drive belt to the power steering pump. Loose or slipping drive belts are a common cause of power assist problems. If there is no fluid in the reservoir or the level is very low there should be oil sprayed somewhere under the hood. Be very careful if you refill the reservoir then check for the location of any leaks. Hydraulic oil under pressure is very dangerous. It can be injected under your skin by the pressure or put your eyes out or worse. Amputation is often necessary where it has been injected under the skin. Power steering reservoir full. Drive belt appears OK. Still no power assist? Pump failure is the likely cause but internal leakage inside the steering gear (rack and pinion too) is always a possibility. A pump pressure test can only be accomplished by specialized pressure testing equipment. Internal gear leakage can be checked by using this same equipment but can get more involved. Of course you can always play the chance game and replace the power steering pump which normally fixes the problem but if it doesn’t, you are out the price of the pump and oil and the problem still exists. Some vehicles use a slip joint in the steering column shaft. In the past few years they have been made where they will not accept grease (they are prelubed at the factory with a special grease). These shafts can normally be identified by the sealed boots at the slip area. If there is a bumping or popping noise while driving with steering difficulty, the joint may need taken apart and relubed. Some pickups or larger vehicles have steering gears that can be adjusted to remove any slack in the gear itself. These gears have a stud with a locking sealing type nut on the stud. This stud is located on the opposite side of the gear from the pitman arm. Adjustment by folks unfamiliar with these gears is not recommended. If adjustment is attempted, be absolutely sure not to take the vehicle out in traffic until you are sure the adjustment was successful. If tightened too tight the gear can cause the steering to not return as it should and even can cause almost complete power assist failure with speed. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil