22 · Diagnostics

Steering hard / (steering in both directions)

Make: Fiat
Model: Stilo Factory Service Manual
Year: 2001–2007
Section: Steering – vehicle behaviour › Steering hard / (steering in both directions)

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Fault diagnosisSteering hard / (steering in both directions)

STEERING HARD / (STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS)

Steering effort may increase following repeated parking manoeuvres. This is normal and designed to prevent the steering motor overheating. under these conditions, no service is required because the power-assisted steering system returns to normal on its own.

If the electric steering column is dismantled, take due care because the component may get very hot. The engine must be turned off during dismantling.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Check that the driving fault warning light is turned off after the initial test.	Continue to Step 6	warning light on	Continue to Step 1
1	CONTROL UNIT FUNCTIONAL CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Rotate the flywheel, with the engine running, to the end of travel position in both directions and check that the warning light goes out	Continue to Step 2	warning light on	Continue to Step 3
2	CHECKING STEERING STIFFNESS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out a road test to ensure stiffness is no longer present.		Fault persists	Continue to Step 6
3	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Connect an Examiner and check the electric steering control unit for: errors (if it is connected to the diagnostic equipment it is normal for there to be no power assistance for the electrical steering)	Continue to Step 6	EPS internal error	Restore correct supply See E7045 ELECTRIC STEERING Continue to Step 5
			EPS internal error	Check the condition of the CAN See E7045 ELECTRIC STEERINGline electrical connections, restore correct connections Continue to Step 5
			EPS internal error	Continue to Step 4
			EPS internal error	Continue to Step 5
4	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Position the wheels straight and check the steering is aligned. Check the steering position parameter is properly zeroed on the tester.	Continue to Step 5	Parameter value more than 5°	Zero the parameter by adjusting the steering links and check that the control unit is working properly by rotating the flywheel to end of travel position in both directions
		Continue to Step 5	Parameter value more than 5°	Continue to Step 5
5	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Cancel the errors, disconnect the diagnostic equipment and turn the ignition OFF for around 10 secs; start up the engine and rotate the steering wheel to the end of travel position in both directions; reconnect the Examiner diagnostic equipment check that there are no errors in the electric steering control unit;	Continue to Step 6	Errors recur	Change the EPS control unit
6	CHECKING STEERING POWER SUPPLY	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check the EPS control unit connector is properly connected See E7045 ELECTRIC STEERING	Continue to Step 7	Connector disconnected or damaged	Restore the correct connection See E7045 ELECTRIC STEERING
7	CHECK STEERING COLUMN	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Raise the front of the car. Check steering column rotation by disconnecting from steering (take care not to rotate the steering column through more than 360° which could cause result in the steering column reference position being lost by the EPS control unit)	Continue to Step 8	Steering column stiff during rotation	Replace the electrical steering device Op. 4110D20
8	CHECK ON RACK-PINION PLAY	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	With the steering column disconnected and the wheels straight, check the rack-pinion play	Continue to Step 9	No play	OverhaulOp. 4120A20or if necessary replace the steering
		Continue to Step 9	Excessive play	OverhaulOp. 4120A20or if necessary replace the steering
9	CHECK ON CONDITION OF GAITERS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Remove the front wheels and tie rod ends from the hub Check condition of gaiters	Continue to Step 10	Dust excluders broken	Lubricate the steering and replace the gaiters Op. 4120A30
10	CHECKING RACK SLIDE AND FASTENING	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check how easily the rack moves Check the radial play on bushes-rack Check the fixing of the steering box	Continue to Step 11	Steering stiff	Replace the steering Op. 4120A10
			Excessive play	Replace the steering Op. 4120A10
			Fixing slack	Tighten the pins to torque
11	CHECK ON TIE ROD END BALLJOINT PLAY	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check the play on the tie rod end balljoints	Continue to Step 12	Balljoints seized or with play	Replace the tie rods Op. 4110B10
12	CHECK ON TIGHT SPOTS/STICKING	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	By turning the hubs, check that there are no tight spots/sticking	Continue to Step 13	Shock absorber bearing seized	Replace the bearing Op. 4410A12
		Continue to Step 13	Play on arm balljoint	Replace joint Op. 4410B40
13	CHECK ON STEERING WHEEL RETURN	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Refit all the dismantled parts Test the vehicle and check that the steering wheel returns correctly	Continue to Step 14	Poor steering wheel return	Restore the correct front wheel geometry Op. 4450A10
14	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis

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Parts & tools for this job For 2001 Fiat Stilo

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