steering JAGUAR X308 1998 2.G Repair Manual

Function
al
Fl
uid
leakage
O
verfilled system.
CORRECT the
fluid leve
l as necessary.
Compon
ent leak.
•
NOTE: Record the position of the le
ak and some indication of the rate
of the leak on the Warra nty Return Record Sheet.
LOCATE
the suspect component or CHECK hose connections and
repair as necessary.
Damaged fluid cap. INST
ALL a new fluid cap.
Loose or damaged h

ose
fittings.
TI
GHTEN or INSTALL a new hose as necessary.
Leakage at

power
steering pump.
INST
ALL a new power steering
pump as necessary. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
2 Power Steering
.
Fl

uid
leakage
Leakage
at steering hose
to steering gear connection.
CHECK
steering hose to
steering gear conn ection for leakage.
CHECK and TIGHTEN the steeri ng hose to steering gear
connection retaining bolt s/bolts as necessary.
Power steeri
ng fluid
leakage at O-ring seals.
CHECK
the power steering system fo
r signs of steering fluid loss
from O-ring seals.
INST
ALL new O-ring seals as necessary.
BLEE

D the power steering system.
For additional information,
REF
ER to Section 211
-0
0 Steering System
- Ge
neral
Informati

on
.
Power steeri

ng fluid
leakage from transfer pipes.
CHECK
the power steering system fo
r signs of steering fluid loss
from the transfer pipes.
CHECK
and TIGHTEN the transfer pipes if required, INSTALL new

transfer pipes as necessary.
BLEE
D the power steering system.
For additional information,
REF
ER to Section 211
-0
0 Steering System
- Ge
neral
Informati

on
.
Power steeri

ng fluid
leakage from the steering
gear.
CHECK
the power steering gear for signs of fluid loss.
INST

ALL a new steering gear as
necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
2 Power Steering
.
Power steeri

ng fluid
leakage from steering gear boot.
CHECK
the power steering gear for signs of fluid loss.
INST

ALL a new steering gear as
necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
2 Power Steering
.
Cond

ition
Possib
le Sources
Acti
on
F

ree play at steering wheel

Exce
ss play in the steering

linkage.
CHECK
the steering linkage for excess play.

For additional information, REFER to the
Steering Linkage Inspection and Backlash (Freeplay) Check in this section.
S
teering wheel loose.
CHECK
and TIGHTEN the steering wheel
retaining bolt/bolts as necessary. For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
4 Steering Column
.
Lower steeri

ng column
pinch bolt loose.
CHECK
and TIGHTEN the lower steering
column pinch bolts as necessary. For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
4 Steering Column
.
Exce

ssive wear in lower
steering column.
CHECK
for lower steering column for wear in

the universal joints. If wear is present,
INSTALL a new lower steering column as necessary.
W
ear in suspension joints.
CAU
TION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the
steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction
will result in the steering gear warranty to become
invalid.
CHECK
for excess wear in the front
suspension joints. For additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-00
Suspension
Sy

stem
- General
Information
.

Vehicl
e wanders from side to

side on the road, when the vehicle is driven straight ahead and the steering wheel is held in a firm position
Incorrect ti re
pressure or
tire size.
CHECK and ADJ
UST the tire pressure. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-0 4
Wheels and Tires
. IN
ST
ALL a new tire as necessary. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-0 4
Wheels and Tires
.
Vehi
cl
e is unevenly or
excessively loaded.
A D
JUST the load evenly.
Loose/worn ti
e-
rods.
INST
ALL a ne
w tie-rod
end. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 3
Steering Linkage
.
Steeri
ng gear bolts loose
o
r damaged.
TIGHTE
N or INSTALL
new bolts.
Loose or worn suspensi
on
ball jo
int(s).
INST
ALL a ne
w suspension ball joint
assembly. For additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-01 Fron
t Suspension
.
Steeri
ng column uni
versal
joint pinch bolt loose.
TI G
HTEN the steering column universal joint

pinch bolt. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 4
Steering Column
.
Incorre
ct
toe adjustment.

ADJUS
T as necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 204
-00 Sus
pension
Sy
ste
m
- General

Information
.
Loose or worn rear
susp
ension.
TIGHTEN
loose, or IN
STALL new rear
suspension components. For additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-0 2
Rear Suspension
.
Vehicle t
e
nds to pull to one
side when driven on a level surface
Incorrect ti
re pressure.
Incorrect
ti
re size or
different tire/tread type.
Uneven tire wear
CHECK and ADJ
UST the tire pressure. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-0 4
Wheels and Tires
. IN
ST
ALL a new tire as necessary. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-04
Wheels and Tires
.
Vehicl

e is unevenly loaded
or overloaded.
Adjust the load
.
Incorre
ct
toe adjustment.

ADJUS
T as necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 204
-00 Sus
pension
Sy
ste
m
- General

Information
.
Dam
a
ged front suspension

components.
I N
STALL new front suspension components
as necessary. For addi tional information,
REFER to Section 204
-01 Fron
t Suspension
.
Damaged rear
suspen
sion
components.
INST ALL ne
w rear suspension components
as necessary. For addi tional information,
REFER to Section 204
-0 2
Rear Suspension
.
Steeri
ng gear val
ve effort
out of balance.
SHIF T the
transmission into NEUTRAL while
driving at no more than 30 miles/hour (50 km/h) and turn the ignition to position I
(engine OFF-coasting). If the vehicle does
not pull with the engine off, INSTALL a new steering gear. For additional information,
REF E
R to Section 211
-0
2
Power Steering
. If t
he
vehicle does drift with the engine off,
CROSS SWITCH front wheel assemblies.
If the
vehicle pulls to
the opposite side,
SWITCH wheels that were on the rear to the
same side on the front.
If the v
ehicle pull dire
ction is not changed,
CHECK the front susp ension components
and toe adjustments. For additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-01 Fron
t Suspension
.
Chec
k
the front and rear
brakes for correct operation.
ADJUS
T as necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 206
-0 0
Brake System
-
General Informati on.
Check fo
r bent rear
INST
ALL ne
w rear suspension components

sus
pension components
and for damaged coil springs in the front suspension.
as necessary. For addi tional information,
REF
ER to Section 204
-0
2 Rear Suspension
. I

NSTALL new front suspension components
as necessary. For addi tional information,
REFER to Section 204
-01
Front Suspension
.
Chec

k the rear suspension

for loose or worn
suspension components.
TIGHTE
N or INSTALL new components as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 204
-0
2 Rear Suspension
.
Incorre

ct underbody
alignment.
CHECK
underbody alignment. For additional

information,
REFER to Section 502
-00
Uni
-Body, Subframe and M

ounting System
.
Poor r

eturnability of the
steering
Lower steeri
ng column
interference.
CHECK
the steering co
lumn is free from
interference from the en gine harness, sound
proofing or the floor covering.
Incorrect
tire pressure.
CHECK
and ADJUST the tire pressure. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-0
4 Wheels and Tires
.
Incorrect

tire size or type.
IN
STALL a new tire as necessary. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-0
4 Wheels and Tires
.
Steeri

ng column upper
shroud fouling on the steering wheel.
CHECK
steering column upper shroud for
fouling. ADJUST as necessary.
Steeri
ng column universal
joints binding.
IN
STALL a new steering column. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
4 Steering Column
.
Steeri

ng column shaft floor

seal binding.
CHE
CK the steering column shaft floor seal
for correct fitm ent and REFIT as necessary.
Steeri
ng column shaft floor

seal may be torn.
IN
STALL a new steering column shaft floor
seal as necessary.
Bin
ding or damaged tie-
rods.
CHECK
tie-rod end for excessive wear or
tightness in ball joint. INSTALL a new tie- rod end. For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
3 Steering Linkage
.
D

amaged or worn front
suspension components.
I
NSTALL new front suspension components
as necessary. For addi tional information,
REFER to Section 204
-01
Front Suspension
.
Incorre

ct toe adjustment.

AD
JUST as necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 204
-00
Suspension
Sy

stem
- General
Information
.
Excessive steeri

ng efforts
required during low speed
manoeuvring and/or during parking manoeuvres
Low power steer
ing fluid.

CHE
CK steering system
for signs of steering
fluid loss.
BLEE
D the power steering system. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
0 Steering System
- General Informati

on
.
Damaged accessory driv

e
belt tensioner.
INST
ALL a new accessory drive belt
tensioner.
Hose or cooler li
ne
restriction.
CHECK
hose or cooler lines for correct
routing.
INST
ALL a new hose as necessary.
Fl

uid aeration.
BLEE
D the system. For additional
information,
REFER to Power Steering System Bleeding

in t
his section.

Steeri
ng transducer not
closed - no feed voltage.
CHECK
the steering transducer circuit. For
additional information, REFER to the wiring diagrams.
Carry ou
t the electrical checks and tests.
For additional information, REFER to the
Electrical Checks and Tests in this section.
Steeri
ng transducer not
closed - cable fault.
CHECK
the steering transducer circuit. For
additional information, REFER to the wiring diagrams.
Carry ou
t the electrical checks and tests.

Fo
r additional information, REFER to the
Electrical Checks and Tests in this section.
Steering control
module
(SCM) defective.
CHECK
the SCM and INSTALL a new SCM as

necessary.
Power steeri ng f
luid
delivery pressure or flow too low.
CHECK
the power stee
ring pressure. For
additional information, REFER to the Power Steering Pressure Test in this section.
INSTALL a ne
w power steering pump as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 2
Power Steering
.
Internal steering gear
leakage.
CHECK
the power stee
ring pressure. For
additional information, REFER to the Power Steering Pressure Test in this section.
INSTALL a ne
w steering
gear as necessary.
For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 2
Power Steering
.
Steeri
ng operati
on is very
heavy when driving, but when stationary
manoeuvring is good
Steering transducer open earl
y.
CHECK

steering transducer and INSTALL a
new steering transducer as necessary.
Carry out th
e electrical checks and tests.
For additional information, REFER to the
Electrical Checks and Tests in this section.
Steering transducer open
early,
steering control
module (SCM) fault.
CHECK
SCM and INSTALL a new SCM as
necessary.
Steering transducer open
earl
y, speedo signal error.
CHECK
speedo
circui
t. For additional
information, REFER to the wiring diagrams.

Steeri ng operati
on is very
light when driving, but when
stationary manoeuvring is good
Steering transducer not
o
pen, (no power steering
fluid flow).
CHECK
the power steering fluid condition.
For additional information, REFER to the
Power Steering Fluid condition check in this section.
Steering transducer not o
pen, steering control
module (SCM) fault.
CHECK
the SCM and INSTALL a new SCM as

necessary.
Carry out th
e electrical checks and tests.
For additional information, REFER to the
Electrical Checks and Tests in this section.
Steering transducer not
o
pen, speedo signal error.
CHECK

the speedo circ
uit. For additional
information, REFER to the wiring diagrams.

CHECK
the power steering
fluid low pressure pipe for restricted flow.
INSTALL a ne
w power steering fluid low
pressure pipe.
S t
eering heavy operation
during rapid manoeuvring
Ai r i
n power steering
system.
CHECK for an air l
eak into the power
steering system and re pair as necessary.
BLEED the
power steering system. For
additional information,
REFER to Power Steering System Bleeding
- in t hi
s section.
Fluid loss at the power
steering pump shaft seal.
CHECK the power steer
ing pump for signs o
f steering fl
ui
d loss.
INST
ALL a ne
w power steering pump as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 2
Power Steering
.
Power steeri
ng f
luid
delivery pressure or flow too low.
CHECK the power steer
ing pump for signs o
f steering fl
ui
d loss.
CHECK

the power stee
ring pressure. For
additional information, REFER to the Power Steering Pressure Test in this section.
INSTALL a ne
w power steering pump as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 211
-02
Power Steering
.
Lower steeri
ng col
umn
interference.
CHECK
the steering co
lumn is free from
interference from the en gine harness, sound
proofing or the floor covering.
Incorrect steering geometry. CHE
CK the front wheel alignment. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 204
-00 Sus
pension
Sy
ste
m
- General

Information
.
CHECK

the power stee
ring pressure. For

No
ise
S
teering heavy operation in
one direction
F
aulty rotary valve/seal.
addi
tional information, REFER to the Power
Steering Pressure Test in this section.
INST
ALL a new steering
gear as necessary.
For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
2 Power Steering
.
Ti

re fouling on the wheel
arch liner.
CHECK for
clearance be
tween the tire and
the wheel arch liner.
R
emove and refit the wheel arch liner or
INSTALL a new wheel arch liner as necessary.
S
teering heavy operation in
both directions
Low power steer
ing fluid.

CHE
CK steering system
for signs of steering
fluid loss.
BLEE
D the power steering system. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
0 Steering System
- General Informati

on
.
Ai

r in power steering
system.
CHECK
the power steering pump for signs o
f steering fl

uid loss.
INST

ALL a new power steering pump as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
2 Power Steering
.
Fluid loss at the power
steering pump shaft seal.
CHECK
the power steering pump for signs o
f steering fl

uid loss.
INST

ALL a new power steering pump as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
2 Power Steering
.
Power steeri

ng fluid
delivery pressure or flow too low.
CHECK
the power steering pump for signs o
f steering fl

uid loss.
CHECK

the power stee
ring pressure. For
additional information, REFER to the Power Steering Pressure Test in this section.
INST
ALL a new power steering pump as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
2 Power Steering
.
Steeri

ng operation varies
from heavy to light when
driving at constant speed
Lower steeri
ng column
interference.
CHECK
the steering co
lumn is free from
interference from the en gine harness, sound
proofing or the floor covering.
Incorre
ct sp
eedometer
signal.
CHECK
the speedo circ
uit. For additional
information, refer to the wiring diagrams.
Steeri
ng transducer
cable/connection faulty or grounded.
CHECK
the steering transducer circuit. For
additional information, refer to the wiring diagrams.
Carry ou
t the electrical checks and tests.
For additional information, REFER to the
Electrical Checks and Tests in this section.
Steeri
ng wheel varies from
light to heavy two times per revolution
Lower steeri
ng column
interference.
CHECK
the steering co
lumn is free from
interference from the en gine harness, sound
proofing or the floor covering.
Steeri
ng column universal
joints binding.
IN
STALL a new steering column. For
additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
4 Steering Column
.
Seized or damaged
ste
ering components.
CHECK
for wear or failure of suspension
bushes and ball join ts. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 204
-00
Suspension
Sy

stem
- General
Information
.
Cond

ition
Possib
le Sources
Acti
on
Acce

ssory drive
belt squeal
Incorre
ct accessory drive belt

tension or accessory drive belt glazed.
CHECK
accessory drive belt condition and INSTALL a
new accessory drive belt as necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 303
-0
5 Accessory Drive
.
Chir

p noise in
the steering pump
Loose or worn accessory dr
ive belt.
CHECK
accessory drive belt condition and INSTALL a
new accessory drive belt as necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 303
-0
5 Accessory Drive
.

Vibrati
on
Power steeri
ng
pump noisy
Low power steer i
ng fluid.
CHECK
steering system for s
igns of steering fluid
loss.
BLEE D the
power steering system. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 0
Steering System
-
Ge n
eral
Informati
o
n
.
Power steeri
ng pump wor
n or

otherwise defective.
CHECK for leaks. R
EPAIR as necessary.
CHECK

the power steering pressure. For additional
information, REFER to th e Power Steering Pressure
Test in this section.
INST ALL a ne
w power steering pump as necessary.
For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 2
Power Steering
.
Wh
in
e type noise

Aerated flui
d.
BLEE
D the
power steering system. For additional
information,
REFER to Power Steering System Bleeding
- in t h
is
section.
Power steering pump.
CHECK for leaks. R
EPAIR as necessary.
INSTALL a ne

w power steering pump as necessary.
For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 2
Power Steering
.
No
i
se during
steering gear movement
Low power steer i
ng fluid.
CHECK
steering system for s
igns of steering fluid
loss.
BLEE D the
power steering system. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 0
Steering System
-
Ge n
eral
Informati
o
n
.
Water co
n
tamination to the
power steering fluid.
DR AIN
the power steering system.
BLEE
D the
power steering system. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 211
-00
Steering System
-
Gen
eral
Informati
o
n
.
Cavi
tation due to restricted
po
wer steering feed hose.
CHECK

and reposition power
steering feed hoses and
INSTALL new hoses as necessary.
Continu o
us noise

Low power steer i
ng fluid.
CHECK
steering system for s
igns of steering fluid
loss.
BLEE D the
power steering system. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 0
Steering System
-
Ge n
eral
Informati
o
n
.
Power steeri
ng pump dri
ve
loose.
CHECK
power steering coupli
ng and power steering
pump.
IN ST
ALL a new power steering coupling or power
steering pump as nece ssary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 211
-0 2
Power Steering
.
Incorre
ct
accessory drive belt
tension or accessory drive belt glazed.
CHECK acc
essory drive belt condition and INSTALL a
new accessory drive belt as necessary. For additional
information,
REFER to Section 303
-0 5 Ac
cessory Drive
.
Power steeri
ng pump dri
ve
pulley loose.
CHECK
and TIGHTEN the power steering pump drive
pulley retaining bolts as necessary. For additional
information, REFER to Section 303
-03A En
gine
Coo
ling / 30 3-03
B Supercharger Cooling
.
Power steeri
ng pump
r
etaining bolts loose.
CHECK

the power steering pump retaining bolts and
TIGHTEN as necessary.
Power steering hose/pipe in c
ontact with the vehicles
body.
CHECK
and reposition powe
r steering hoses/pipes,
INSTALL new hoses/pipes as necessary.
Power steeri ng hose
r
estricted/twisted.
CHECK

and reposition powe
r steering hose, replace
hose as necessary.
Conditi
on
Possibl
e Sources
Actio
n
Loose/worn tie-
ro
ds.
INST
ALL a new tie-r
od end. For additional
information,

Description of General Stee
ring System Noises
Boom
Rh
ythmic sound like a drum roll or distant
thunder. May cause pressure on the ear drum.
Buzz
Low-pitched soun
d, like a bee. Usually associated with vibrations.
Chatt

er
Rapidly rep

eating
metallic sound.
Chuckle
Rapid noise that soun
ds like
a stick against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel.
F
eedback (knocking noises in the
steering gear) - condition where roughness is felt in the steering
wheel by the driver when the vehicle
is driven over rough surfaces
REF
ER to Section 211
-0
3 Steering Linkage
.
Steeri

ng gear
retaining bolts
loose or damaged.
CAU
TION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the
steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction
will result in the steering gear warranty to become
invalid.
CHECK
and TIGHTEN the steering gear
retaining bolts.
INST
ALL new retaining bolts as necessary.
For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
2 Power Steering
.
L

oose suspension
bushing, bolts or ball joints.
TIGHTE
N or INSTALL new components as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 204
-01
Front Suspension
.
Steeri

ng column
retaining bolts loose.
CAU
TION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the
steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction
will result in the steering gear warranty to become
invalid.
CHECK
and TIGHTEN the steering column
retaining bolts/nuts and pinch bolts if required. For additional information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
4 Steering Column
.
Exce

ssive wear in
steering column assembly.
CHECK
for steering column for wear in the
universal joints and be arings. If wear is
present, INSTALL a new steering column as
necessary. For additi onal information,
REFER to Section 211
-0
4 Steering Column
.
Ni

bble (Shimmy) Oscillation of the
steering wheel (not vertical which is SHAKE). This is driven by road wheel imbalance.
Road wh
eel
imbalance.
CHECK
for road wh
eel imbalance.
CHECK for
rele
vant SERVICE
BULLETINS/SERVICE ACTIONS for the
vehicle on Jaguar Communications Online (JCOL) or in hard copy form.
S
teering wheel
replacement.
CHECK for
rele
vant SERVICE
BULLETINS/SERVICE ACTIONS for the
vehicle on Jaguar Communications Online (JCOL) or in hard copy form.
Rac
k replacement.

CHECK for
rele
vant SERVICE
BULLETINS/SERVICE ACTIONS for the
vehicle on Jaguar Communications Online (JCOL) or in hard copy form.

High
-pitched sound like rubbing a clean window.
Squea

l
Continu
ous, high-pitched sound like runn
ing finger nails across a chalkboard.
Tap
Ligh
t, hammering sound like tapping pencil on edge
of table. May be rhythmic or intermittent.
Weep
Continu
ous mid-range sound (lower frequency
than squeal, higher frequency than groan).
Whir/
Whine
High
-pitched buzzing sound, like
an electric motor or drill.
Whistle

Sharp, shril
l sound, like wi
nd passing a small opening.
Description of Specific St eer
ing System Noise Types
Bel
t Squeal
Belt squea
l is a high frequency air-born
e noise generated by slippage of the ribbe d Vee belt on the power steering pump
pulley. Squeal increases with system loading and at the end of lock.
Clonk

Cl
onk is a structure-borne nois
e heard as a loose-sounding rattle or vibration coming from the steering column. Clonk can
be identified by driving and turning over cobblestones, rough roads, or high frequency bumps such as 25-50 mm tall tar
strips. Clonk requires a tie-rod load impact.
Column Knoc
k
Col
umn knock is a loose-sounding rattle or
vibration generated by the steering column shaft contacting other portions of the
column assembly. The noise is both audible and tactile. Column knock is generate d by driving over cobblestones or rough
pavement. It is not necessary to turn the steering wheel to create this noise.
Column Ra
ttle
Co
lumn rattle is a metallic sounding no
ise created when applying a highly impuls ive force to the steering wheel. Column
rattle is often used to combine the more general group of column noises includin g clonk and column knock. Column rattle
noises can be caused by clonk, knock, l oose column components, bonus parts etc. A series of parked, straight-line driving,
and cornering test should be carried out to isolate the source/sources.
Gr
inding/Scrape
Gr

inding is a low frequency noise in the column when the st
eering wheel is turned. Is generally caused by interference
between moving components such as the st eering wheel to steering column shroud.
Gr
unt (Squawk)
Grunt

is a "honking" sound elicited when coming off one of
the steering stops. Grunt is generally excited during parking
manoeuvres with a low to me dium speed steering input.


Squea
k

Hiss (Swish)
Hiss or Val
ve Hiss is a high-frequency so
und coming from the steering gear when the system is loaded. It is a rushing or
"swish" noise that doesn't change frequency with RPM. Hiss is the general noise generated by the flow of hydraulic fluid
through restrictions in the steer ing system. Restrictions include the rotary stee ring valve, power steering tubes, connectors,
tuning orifices, etc. Hiss can be air- borne and structure-borne, but the structure-borne path through the steering
intermediate shaft is usually dominant.
Moan (Groan)
Moan is the general structu r
e-borne noise of the steering system. Moan is primarily transmitted to the driver via the body
structure through the pump mount, engine mounts, power steering lines and power steering brackets. On some vehicles,
moan is a load humming noise, often present when the wheel is turned and the system is loaded. It may change frequency
with engine RPM and if the sy stem is loaded or unloaded.
Rack Knock (R
ack Slap)
CAU
T
ION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the stee
ring gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will result in the steering
gear warranty to become invalid.
Rack Knock is a rattle sound an d steering wheel vibration caused by separation of the steering gear and pinion while driving
over bumps. It is a structure-borne noise transmitted throug h the intermediate shaft and column. Rack knock can also be
heard as a "thump" or impact noise that occurs with the vehicle stationary when the steering wheel is released from a
loaded position and allowed to return to rest . Noise occurs with the engine on or off.
Rattles
Ra
ttles are noises caused by knocking or hitting with components in the steering system. Steering rattles can occur in the
engine compartment, the suspension, or the passenger compartment . Rattles can be caused by loose parts, movable and
flexible parts, and improper clearances.
Squea k
s/Scrapes
Squeaks/Scrapes are noises due
to fri
ction or component rubbi
ng anywhere in the steering system. Squeaks/Scrapes have
appeared in steering linkages and jo ints, in column components and in co lumn and steering wheel trim parts.
Weep
We
ep is an air-borne noise, occasionally
generated when turning the steering across lock at a constant rate. When present
on a vehicle the noise, once initiated can often be maintained across a large proportion of the available steering movement.
Whistle
Wh
istle is similar to hiss but is louder and of a higher frequency. It is also more
of a pure tone noise than hiss. Whistle is
air-borne and is generated by a high flow rate of hydraulic fluid through a small restriction.
Zip

Zip n
o
ise is the air-borne noise
generated by power steerin g pump cavitation when power steering fluid does not flow freely
through the suction hose from the rese rvoir to the pump. Zip primarily occurs during cold weather at start-up.
Steering System Vibrations and Harshne
ss
Buzz
Buzz is a tactile rotary vi

bration felt in
the steering wheel for slow steering inputs. Buzz can also be called a grinding feel
and it is closely related to grunt and is caused by high system gain with low damping. Buzz is generally excited during
parking manoeuvres with low to medium speed steering input.

Buzz (E
lectrical)
A
different steering buzz can be caused by
pulse width modulated (PWM) electric actuators used in variable assist steering
systems. This buzz is felt by turning the ignition key to run without starting the engine and holding onto the steering wheel.
In extreme cases, the buzz can be felt with the engine running also.
Column/Steering Wheel
Shake
Column shake is a low f
requenc
y vertical vibration excited by primary engine vibrations.
Nibble (Shimm
y)
Steeri
ng nibble is a rotary oscillation or
vibration of the steering wheel, which can be excited at a specific vehicle speed.
Nibble is driven by wheel and tire imbalance exciting a suspensi on recession mode, which then translates into steering gear
travel and finally steering wheel nibble.
Shudder (Judd
er)
Shudder i
s a low frequency oscillation of th
e entire steering system (tire, wheels, st eering gear and linkage, etc.) when the
vehicle is steered during static-park or at low sp eeds. Shudder is very dependent on road surface.
Torque Ri
pple
Torque rippl
e is a concern with Electric Power Steering (EPS) sy
stems. Torque ripple is most evident at static-park steering
the wheel very slowly from lock to lock. Torque ripple is primarily caused by motor commutation.
Torque/Veloc
ity Variation
(Phasing/Effort Cycling)
Steeri
ng wheel torque variation oc
curring twice in one revolution is normally as a result of problems with the lower steering
column (intermediate shaft), but foul cond itions generally result in either constant stiffnes s or single point stiffness.
Depending upon the orientation of the joints, the steering can fe el asymmetric (torque falling off in one direction and rising
in the other) or else it can simply have pronounced peaks and troughs as the steering moves from lock to lock.
Wheel Fight
(Kick Back)
W
heel fight is excess feedback of sudden road forces through th
e steering system and back to the driver. It is evaluated at
all vehicle speeds over cobblestones, rough roads, and potholes . The tires, wheels, and suspension generate forces into the
steering systems. Steering friction, hydraulic damping, hydr aulic compliance, mechanical compliance, steering ratio, and
assist gain all affect how much is transmitted to the driver.
Stee
ring Linkage
CAUTI
ON: Steering gear boots must be
handled carefully to avoid damage. Use new clamps when installing steering
gear boots.
Inspect the boots for cuts, deterioration, tw isting or distortion. Check the steering gear boots to make sure they are tight.
Install new boots or clamps as necessary.
• NOTE: The following steps must be carried out with assistance.
1. 1. With the wheels in the straight ahead po sition, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and the right to check for
free play.
2. 2. Free play should be between 0 and 6 mm (0 and 0.24 in) at the steering wheel rim. If the free play exceeds this
limit, either the ball joints are worn, the lower steering column joints are worn or the backlash of the steering gear
is excessive.