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Steering Gear Checks After a Collision > < 211-00 Steering System - General Information|Specifications

Transit 2006.5 (04.2006-)

Steering System - General Information - Steering System Transit 2006.5 (04/2006-)
Diagnosis and Testing

Special Tool(s)

Simulator, Driver and Passenger Air Bags and Side Air Bags

501-073 (40-016)
General Equipment
Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS)

Inspection and Verification

  1. Verify the customer concern.
  1. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical Electrical
  • Tire pressure(s)
  • Accessory drive belt
  • Loose tie-rod end(s)
  • Tie-rod(s)
  • Steering gear housing
  • Loose strut and spring assemblies or ball joints
  • Loose pinch bolts on steering column shaft flexible coupling
  • Wheels and tires
  • Power steering lines fluid leaks
  • Steering gear bellows
  • Power steering pressure (PSP) switch
  1. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  1. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.

Symptom Chart

Symptom Possible Sources Action
Drift left or right
*
Vehicle attitude incorrect (front or rear is high or low).
*
CHECK for abnormal loading, coil spring sag or non-standard springs.
*
Incorrect wheel alignment.
*
CHECK the wheel alignment and ADJUST if necessary.
REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
*
Worn front wheel bearings.
*
CHECK and INSTALL new wheel bearings as necessary.
REFER to: Wheel Bearing Inspection (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
*
Brake system.
*
CHECK the brake system.
REFER to: Brake System - Vehicles Built Up To: 04/2006 (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).
*
Steering linkage.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Linkage Component Test. REFER to Steering Linkage Component Test in this procedure.
*
Steering gear.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Linkage Component Test. REFER to Steering Linkage Component Test in this procedure.
*
Wheels and tires.
*
REFER to: Wheels and Tires (204-04 Wheels and Tires, Diagnosis and Testing).
Steering wheel off center
*
Vehicle attitude incorrect (front or rear is high or low).
*
CHECK for abnormal loading, coil spring sag or non-standard springs.
*
Incorrect wheel alignment.
*
CHECK the wheel alignment and ADJUST if necessary.
REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
*
Suspension lower arm ball joint.
*
CARRY OUT the Ball Joint Inspection Component Test.
REFER to: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).
*
Steering linkage.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Linkage Component Test. REFER to Steering Linkage Component Test in this procedure.
*
Steering gear.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Linkage Component Test. REFER to Steering Linkage Component Test in this procedure.
Vibration
*
Incorrect wheel alignment.
*
CHECK the wheel alignment and ADJUST if necessary.
REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
*
Wheels and tires.
*
CHECK the wheels and tires. BALANCE or INSTALL new wheels and tires as necessary.
REFER to: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).
*
Damaged or worn front wheel bearings.
*
CHECK and INSTALL new wheel bearings as necessary.
REFER to: Wheel Bearing Inspection (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
*
Front strut and spring assemblies.
*
CHECK and INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
*
Damaged front suspension lower arm(s).
*
CHECK and INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
*
Steering linkage.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Linkage Component Test. REFER to Steering Linkage Component Test in this procedure.
Steering effort is high/low
*
Power steering hose restriction.
*
CHECK the power steering hoses for damage, kinks or restrictions. INSTALL new components as necessary.
*
Power steering fluid contamination.
*
FLUSH the power steering system. REFER to: (211-00 Steering System - General Information)
Power Steering System Flushing - 2.2L Duratorq-TDCi (Puma) Diesel/2.4L Duratorq-TDCi (Puma) Diesel (General Procedures),
Power Steering System Flushing - 2.3L Duratec-HE (MI4) (General Procedures).
*
Aeration of the power steering fluid.
*
BLEED the power steering system.
REFER to: Power Steering System Bleeding (211-00 Steering System - General Information, General Procedures).
*
Steering gear floor seal touch condition.
*
CHECK the installation of the floor seal.
*
Steering column.
*
CHECK if the floor covering is obstructing the steering gear pinion.
*
CHECK the installation of the floor seal.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Column Universal Joint Component Test. REFER to Steering Column Universal Joint Component Test.
*
Steering linkage.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Linkage Component Test. REFER to Steering Linkage Component Test in this procedure.
*
Steering gear.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Linkage Component Test. REFER to Steering Linkage Component Test in this procedure.
*
Worn power steering pump.
*
INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to: (211-02 Power Steering)
Power Steering Pump - 2.2L Duratorq-TDCi (Puma) Diesel (Removal and Installation),
Power Steering Pump - 2.3L Duratec-HE (MI4) (Removal and Installation),
Power Steering Pump - 2.4L Duratorq-TDCi (Puma) Diesel/3.2L Duratorq-TDCi (Puma) Diesel (Removal and Installation).
Excessive noise
*
Power steering operation noise.
*
CARRY OUT the Power Steering Operation Noise Check.
REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) (100-04 Noise, Vibration and Harshness, Diagnosis and Testing).
*
Aeration of the power steering fluid.
*
BLEED the power steering system.
REFER to: Power Steering System Bleeding (211-00 Steering System - General Information, General Procedures).
*
Power steering lines.
*
CHECK that the power steering line clamps are secure.
*
CHECK the power steering lines for clearance from the vehicle body, subframe and steering gear.
*
CHECK the steering gear transfer lines for clearance from the steering gear.
*
Loose steering gear retaining bolts.
*
CHECK and INSTALL new bolts as necessary.
REFER to: Steering Gear - 4x2 (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).
*
Power steering pump.
*
INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to: (211-02 Power Steering)
Power Steering Pump - 2.2L Duratorq-TDCi (Puma) Diesel (Removal and Installation),
Power Steering Pump - 2.3L Duratec-HE (MI4) (Removal and Installation),
Power Steering Pump - 2.4L Duratorq-TDCi (Puma) Diesel/3.2L Duratorq-TDCi (Puma) Diesel (Removal and Installation).
*
Tie-rod.
*
CARRY OUT the Tie-Rod Component Test. REFER to Tie-Rod Component Test in this procedure.
Steering does not vary with increased wheel rotation
*
Worn tie-rod ends.
*
INSTALL new components as necessary.
REFER to: Tie Rod End (211-03 Steering Linkage, Removal and Installation).
*
Worn front suspension bushings.
*
CHECK and INSTALL new components as necessary.
*
Suspension lower arm ball joint.
*
CARRY OUT the Ball Joint Inspection Component Test.
REFER to: Suspension System (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).
*
Steering gear insulator bushings worn or perished.
*
CHECK and INSTALL new components as necessary.
*
Loose steering gear retaining bolts.
*
CHECK and INSTALL new bolts as necessary.
REFER to: Steering Gear - 4x2 (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).
*
Loose steering column retaining bolts.
*
CHECK and INSTALL new bolts as necessary.
REFER to: Steering Column (211-04 Steering Column, Removal and Installation).
*
Loose steering column to steering gear pinion retaining bolt.
*
CHECK and INSTALL a new bolt as necessary.
REFER to: Steering Column (211-04 Steering Column, Removal and Installation).
*
Excessive steering gear backlash.
*
CARRY OUT the Steering Linkage Component Test. REFER to Steering Linkage Component Test in this procedure.
Engine stalls when parking with engine speed at idle
*
Power steering pressure (PSP) switch or circuit.
*
GO to Pinpoint Test A.

PINPOINT TEST A : ENGINE STALLS WHEN PARKING WITH ENGINE SPEED AT IDLE
TEST CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
A1: CHECK FOR VOLTAGE TO THE PSP SWITCH
1
Ignition switch in position 0.
2
Disconnect PSP Switch CCS09.
3
Ignition switch in position II.

4
Measure the voltage between the PSP switch CCS09 pin 1, circuit CCS09B (GN), harness side and ground.

Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?
Yes
GO to A2.
No
REPAIR circuit CCS09B (GN).
A2: CHECK THE PSP SWITCH GROUND CIRCUIT FOR OPEN CIRCUIT OR HIGH RESISTANCE
1
Ignition switch in position 0.

2
Measure the resistance between the PSP switch CCS09 pin 2, circuit GD122S (BK), harness side and ground.

Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
Install a new PSP switch
No
REPAIR circuit GD122S (BK).

Components Tests

Steering Linkage

  1. Grasp the steering wheel firmly and move it up and down and to the left and right without turning the steering wheel to check the steering column bearing for wear, steering column shaft for wear, steering wheel for looseness and steering column for looseness. If the steering column bearing or the steering column shaft is worn install a new steering column.
    REFER to: Steering Column (211-04 Steering Column, Removal and Installation).
    If the steering wheel or the steering column is loose, tighten the steering wheel or the steering column retaining bolts.
  1. With the road wheels in the straight ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and the right to check for free play in the steering linkage.
  1. There should be no excessive free play at the steering wheel rim. If there is excessive free play, CHECK the tie-rod inner and outer ball joints, REFER to Tie-Rod Component Test in this procedure. CHECK the steering column universal joint, REFER to Steering Column Universal Joint Component Test in this procedure. If there is no free play in the tie-rod and the steering column, install a new steering gear.
    REFER to: Steering Gear - 4x2 (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).

Tie-Rod

  1. Noises such as knocks, which may appear to originate from the steering linkage, may also be generated by front suspension components.
    REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) (100-04 Noise, Vibration and Harshness, Diagnosis and Testing).
  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
    REFER to: Lifting (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).

  1. Firmly grasp the road wheel and apply a rocking motion checking for any free play in the wheel bearing or suspension components.
  1. Turn the steering wheel to position the steering linkage against the right-hand steering lock stop.

  1. With the aid of another technician holding the steering linkage against the right-hand steering lock stop, firmly grasp the right-hand road wheel and apply a rocking motion checking for any free play in the steering linkage.

  1. Detach the steering gear boot from the steering gear body and check for free play at the tie-rod inner ball joint.
  1. If there is free play at the tie-rod inner ball joint, install a new tie-rod.
    REFER to: Tie Rod (211-03 Steering Linkage, Removal and Installation).
  1. Check the tie-rod end for free play. Install a new tie-rod end if necessary.
    REFER to: Tie Rod End (211-03 Steering Linkage, Removal and Installation).
  1. Attach the steering gear boot to the steering gear body. Install new steering gear boot clamps.
  1. Turn the steering wheel to position the steering linkage against the left-hand steering lock stop.

  1. With the aid of another technician holding the steering against the left-hand steering lock stop, firmly grasp the left-hand road wheel and apply a rocking motion checking for any free play in the steering linkage.

  1. Detach the steering gear boot from the steering gear body and check for free play at the tie-rod inner ball joint.
  1. If there is free play at the tie-rod inner ball joint, install a new tie-rod.
    REFER to: Tie Rod (211-03 Steering Linkage, Removal and Installation).
  1. Check the tie-rod end for free play. Install a new tie-rod end if necessary.
    REFER to: Tie Rod End (211-03 Steering Linkage, Removal and Installation).
  1. Attach the steering gear boot to the steering gear body. Install new steering gear boot clamps.

Turning Effort Test

  1. Before carrying out the turning effort test, make sure that the following are serviceable:
  • Suspension components.
  • Steering column.
  • Toe adjustment.
    REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
  • Tire pressures.
  1. Park the vehicle on a dry, even surface and apply the parking brake.
  1. Remove the driver air bag module.
    REFER to: Driver Air Bag Module (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, Removal and Installation).
  1. Connect the air bag simulators to the sub-harnesses in place of the driver air bag module at the top of the steering column.
  1. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times until the power steering fluid has reached normal operating temperature.
  1. Using a suitable torque wrench and socket, check the steering wheel turning effort.
  1. If the steering wheel turning effort is greater than the specification, install a new steering gear. REFER to:
    Specifications (211-00 Steering System - General Information, Specifications),
    Steering Gear - 4x2 (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).

Steering Column Universal Joint

  1. WARNING:
    WARNING:Make sure a new steering column flexible coupling bolt is installed.
    Detach the steering column from the steering gear pinion.
    • Discard the steering column to steering gear pinion retaining bolt.

  1. Check for smooth movement of the steering column universal joint.
    1. Hold the steering column universal joint yoke.
    1. Articulate the free yoke in a figure of eight movement.
    • If the movement is not smooth or resistance is felt, install a new steering column.
      REFER to: Steering Column (211-04 Steering Column, Removal and Installation).

  1. Hold both of the steering column universal joint yokes and twist them clockwise and counterclockwise.
    • If movement is felt, install a new steering column.
      REFER to: Steering Column (211-04 Steering Column, Removal and Installation).

Lower Arm Ball Joint Inspection

  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
    REFER to: Lifting (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
  1. Firmly grasp the outer end of the suspension lower arm and try to move it up and down, watching and feeling for any movement. Free movement will usually be accompanied by an audible "click". There should be no free movement.
  1. If there is any free movement, install a new lower arm.
    REFER to: Lower Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).

Steering Gear Checks After a Collision > < 211-00 Steering System - General Information|Specifications