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Fiat Grande Punto Factory Service Manual (2005-2012)22 · Fault diagnosis
22 · Diagnostics

Steering hard / (steering in both directions)

Make
Fiat
Model
Grande Punto Factory Service Manual
Year
2005–2012
Section
Steering – vehicle behaviour › Steering hard / (steering in both directions)
Fault diagnosisSteering hard / (steering in both directions)

STEERING HARD / (STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS)

Results of the tests
1STEERING COLUMN CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Raise the vehicle at the front. Check the rotation of the steering column by disconnecting it from the steeringMove on to Step 2Steering column hard

Replace the steering column

Op. 4110A30 SUPPORT WITH STEERING CONTROL SHAFTS - R+R

2RACK COLUMN CLEARANCE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check the pinion-rack clearance with the steering column detached and the wheels straightMove on to Step 3Rack and pinion clearance too largeReplace the steering box
3BOOT CONDITION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Remove the front wheels and the track rod ends from the hub.

Check the condition of the boots

Move on to Step 4Boots brokenLubricate the steering and replace the boots
4CHECK ON RACK SLIDINGAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check the sliding of the rackMove on to Step 5Steering hard

Replace the steering

Op. 4120A10 STEERING BOX - R+R - CHECK WHEEL TOE-IN IF NECESSARY SEPARATELY

5BUSH - RACK RADIAL CLEARANCE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check the bush - rack radial clearance. Check the fastening of the steering boxMove on to Step 6

1. Excessive clearance

2. Fastening loose

1. Replace the steering

Op. 4120A10 STEERING BOX - R+R - CHECK WHEEL TOE-IN IF NECESSARY SEPARATELY

2. Tighten the pins to torque.

6STEERING ROD JOINTS CLEARANCE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check the clearance of the steering rod jointsMove on to Step 7Joints seized or with clearance

Replace the steering rods

Op. 4110B10 STEERING LINKS - R+R ON VEHICLE - CHECK TOE-IN/TOE-OUT SEPARATELY

7HARDENING/STICKING CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that there is no hardening/sticking by rotating the hubsMove on to Step 8

1. Shock absorber support bearing seized

2. Clearance in the joint

1. Replace the shock absorber support bearing

2. Replace the lower track control arm

Op. 4410B40 LOWER TRACK CONTROL ARM (WITH BALLJOINT) FOR LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION (ONE) - R+R - CHECK WHEEL GEOMETRY SEPARATELY

8STEERING WHEEL RETURN CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Refit all the components removed. Test the vehicle and check that the steering wheel return is correctMove on to Step 9Steering wheel return poor

Adjust the caster angle

Op. 4450A10 FRONT WHEEL GEOMETRY - CHECK USING OPTICAL EQUIPMENT - INCLUDES ADJUSTMENT IF NECESSARY

9CHECK ON SLIDING AND FASTENING OF RACKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check the sliding of the rack Check the bush-rack radial clearance Check the fastening of the steering boxMove on to Step 10

1. Steering hard

2. Excessive clearance

3. Fastening loose

1.Replace the steering

Op. 4120A10 STEERING BOX - R+R - CHECK WHEEL TOE-IN IF NECESSARY SEPARATELY

2.Replace the steering

Op. 4120A10 STEERING BOX - R+R - CHECK WHEEL TOE-IN IF NECESSARY SEPARATELY

3.Tighten the steering box fastening pins to torque

10STEERING ROD JOINTS CLEARANCE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check the clearance of the steering rod jointsMove on to Step 11Joints seized or with clearance

Replace the rods

Op. 4110B10 STEERING LINKS - R+R ON VEHICLE - CHECK TOE-IN/TOE-OUT SEPARATELY

11HARDENING/STICKING CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that there is no hardening/sticking by rotating the hubsMove on to Step 12Clearance in the joint

Replace the joint

Op. 4410B40 LOWER TRACK CONTROL ARM (WITH BALLJOINT) FOR LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION (ONE) - R+R - CHECK WHEEL GEOMETRY SEPARATELY

12STEERING WHEEL RETURN CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Refit all the components detached: Test the vehicle and check that the steering wheel returns correctlyMove on to Step 13Steering wheel return poor

Restore front wheel geometry

Op. 4450A10 FRONT WHEEL GEOMETRY - CHECK USING OPTICAL EQUIPMENT - INCLUDES ADJUSTMENT IF NECESSARY

13CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosis

Parts & tools for this job For 2005 Fiat Grande Punto

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