steering PONTIAC FIERO 1988 Service Repair Manual

1988
SER
This manual applies to the 1988 Pontiac Firebird Models.
It contains the latest product information available at the
time of publication approval. lnformation pertaining to
the operation of the vehicle is contained in the Owner's
Manual which accompanies each vehicle. The right is
reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
Any references to brand names in this manual is intended
merely as an example of the types of
lubricant% tools,
materials, etc, recommended for use in servicing 1988
Pontiac Models. In all cases, an equivalent may be used.
PONTIAC DIVISION
GENERAL
MOTORS CORPORATION
PONTIAC, MICHIGAN 48053
1987 General Motors Corp. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means,
including but not limited to electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of General Motors Corp. This includes all text,
illustrations, tables and charts.
S-881 OF 9-87 Printed in Canada
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION NAME
GENERAL INFORMATION
OA. General lnformation
OB. Maintenance & Lubrication
1 SECT.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
1A. Heating and Ventilation
1 B. Air Conditioning
1D1. R-4 AIC Com~ressor Overhaul
FRAME AND BUMPERS
2B. Bumpers 2C. Chassis Sheet Metal
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
AND TIRES
3. Diagnosis
3A. Wheel Alignment
3B5. Steering Wheels and Columns 3B6. Steering Linkage 3B7. Power Steering Gear and Pump
3C. Front Suspension
3D. Rear Suspension
3E. Tires and Wheels
FINAL DRIVE
4A. Propeller Shaft
4B. Rear Axle
4B1. Bora-Warner Axle
BRAKES 5. Brakes 5A3. Comoosite Master Cvlinder 5B1. Disc r rake Caliper ~ssembly - 300013100 Series 5B6. Disc Brake Caliper Assembly - 3548
Series
5C3. Direct Torque Drum Brake Assembly 5D2. Power Head Assembly - Tandem Diaohraam 5F. ~~ecifications and Special Tools
ENGINE 6. Engine General lnformation 6A2. 2.8L 6A3. 5.OL & 5.7L 6B. Engine Cooling
6C. En~ine Fuel
6D. ~ngine Electrical 6D1. Battery 6D2. Cranking System 6D3. Charging System 6D4. Ignition System 6D5. Engine Wiring
6E. Driveabilitv and Emissions
6E2. ~missions' 6E3. Emissions - PFI
6F. Engine Exhaust
TRANSMISSION 7A. Automatic Transmission - General
lnformation
7A1. Automatic Transmission - On-Car
Service
700R4. Automatic Transmission Hydraulic Diagnosis
700R4. Automatic Transmission Unit Repair
76. 5-Speed Manual Transmission
7C. Clutch
CHASSIS ELECTRICAL 8A. Electrical Diagnosis
8B. Lighting and Horns
8C. Instrument
Panel, Gages
& Console
8E. Windshield Wiper &Washer System
ACCESSORIES 9A. Radio Systems and Antennas 9B. Cruise Control 9G. Miscellaneous Accessories
I BODY SERVICE MANUAL END
OF
MANUAL

GENERAL INFORMATION OA-5
- THM 700-R4 TRANSMISSION I.D. LOCATION
1-1 IOU DAY OF THE YEAR1
I SHIFT BUILT 1 1 A & B = FIRST SHIFT 1 C 5 H - SECOND SHIFT
THM 700-R4 TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
VIN LOCATION
I OPTIONAL VIN LOCATION --I I
Fig. OA-6 --Transmission VIN Location
LUBRICATION POINTS
CHASSIS - SEE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
COOLING SYSTEM WHEEL BEARINGS
AUTO TRANSMISSION FLUID
LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS
I I
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
STEERING LINKAGE
Fig. OA-7 Typical Lubrication Points

OB-4 MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
Tire and wheel operation - Be alert to a vibra-
tion of the steering wheel or seat at normal highway
speeds. This may mean a wheel balance is needed. Also, a
pull right or left on a straight, level road may show the
need for
a tire pressure adjustment or wheel alignment.
Steering system operation - Be alert to
changes in steering action. An inspection is needed when
the steering wheel is harder to turn or has too much free
play or if unusual sounds are noted when turning or
parking.
Headlight aim operation - Take note of light
pattern occasionally. If beam aim doesn't look right,
headlights should be adjusted.
AT EACH FUEL FILL
Engine oil level check - Check engine oil level
and add if necessary. See your Owner's
Manual for further
details.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Engine coolant level and condition - Check
engine coolant level in coolant reservoir tank and add if
necessary. Replace if dirty or rusty. See your Owner's
Manual for further details.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Windshield washer fluid level check -- Check
washer fluid level in container and add if necessary.
Hood latch operation - When opening hood on
cars equipped with hoods that open from the front, note
the operation of secondary latch. It should keep hood from
opening all the way when primary latch is released. Make
sure that hood closes firmly.
AT LEAST MONTI-ILY
Tire and wheel inspection and pressure
check--
Check tires for abnormal wear or damage. Also,
check for damaged wheels. Keep pressures as shown on
Tire Placard on the driver's door (include spare unless it is
a stowaway). Pressure should b\: checked when tires are
"cold". See "Tires" in Owner's Manual for further
infomation.
Light operation check - Check operation of
license plate light, side-marker lights, headlights includ-
ing high beams, parking lights, taillights, brake lights.
turn signals, backup lights, instrument panel and interior
lights and hazard warning flashers.
Fluid leak check - After the car has been parked
for a while, inspect the surface beneath the car for water,
oil, fuel or other fluids. Water dripping from the air
conditioning system after use is normal. If you notice fuel
leaks or fumes, the cause should be found and corrected at
once.
AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR (FOR EXAMPLE,
EVERY SPRING AND FALL)
Power steering pump fluid level check --
Check power steering pump fluid level in accordance with
Owner's Manual instructions and keep at proper level.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Brake master cylinder reservoir fluid level
check ---- Check fluid and keep at proper level. Note: It is
normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear
- so be sure to keep reservoir filled.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have
it inspected and repaired at once.
Clutch system service --- manual transmis-
sionltransaxle --- For cars equipped with hydraulic
clutch system, check the reservoir fluid level and add fluid
as required. All others, check clutch pedal free travel and
adjust as necessary. See your Owner's Manual for further
details.
~
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Weatherstrip Lubrication - Clean surface and
then apply a thin film of silicone grease with a clean cloth.
EACH TIME OIL IS CHANGED
Automatic and manual transmissionltrans-
axle fluid level check - Check transmission/transaxle
fluid level and add as required. (Corvette only) if equipped
with manual transmission
- check fluid in the overdrive
unit and add as required.
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have
it inspected and repaired at once.
Brake systems inspection - For convenience,
the following should be done when wheels are removed
for rotation: Inspect lines and hoses for proper hookup,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also in-
spect drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect
other brake parts, including drums, wheel cylinders, park-
ing brake, etc. at the same time. Check parking brake
adjustment.
INSPECT BRAKES MORE OFTEN IF DRIVING
HABITS OR CONDITIONS RESULT IN FREQUENT
BRAKING.
Steering, suspension and front drive axle
boot and seal inspection
- Inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or
missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect
power steering lines and hoses for proper hookup, bind-
ing, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. (On cars equipped with
manual steering gear, check for seal leakage.) On
front-
wheel-drive cars, clean then inspect drive axle boot seals
for damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust system inspection - Inspect complete
system. Inspect body near the exhaust system. Look for
broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well
as open seams, holes, loose connections or other condi-
tions which could cause a heat buildup in the tloor pan or
could let exhaust fumes seep into the trunk or passenger
compartment.

MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION OB-5
Throttle linkage inspection -- Inspect for inter-
ference, binding, damaged or missing parts.
Engine drive belts inspection - Inspect all
belts for cracks, fraying and wear. Adjust or replace as
needed.
Rear axle service (if equipped) - Check gear
lubricant level and add if needed. For cars equipped with a
limited slip rear axle, fluid does not require changing
(except Caprice and Corvette
- change fluid and required
additive at first
7,500 miles (12 500 km). See your
Owner's Manual or "Recommended Fluids
& Lubricants
Chart" in this section.
IF YOU USE YOUR GAR TO PULL A TRAILER,
CHANGE GEAR LUBRICANT EVERY 7,500 MILES
(12 500 KM).
NOTICE: A large loss in this system may indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired at once.
Power antenna - Clean and then lubricate power
antenna mast. The proper lubricant as shown in Figure
OB-2 should be used.
AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
Lap and shoulder belts condition and opera-
tion
- Inspect belt system, including webbing, buckles,
latch plates, retractors, guide loops and anchors.
Moveable head restraint operation - On cars
with moveable restraints, make sure restraints stay in the
desired position. (See adjustment instructions in your
Owner's Manual.)
Seatback latch and recliner operation on
cars equipped
with recliner seat --- Be sure seat-
backs latch on those cars with folding seats using mechan-
ical latches. Make sure the recliner is holding by pushing
and pulling on the top of the
seatback while it is reclined.
See your Owner's Manual for seat operating information.
Spare tire and jack storage- Be alert to rattles
in rear of car. Make sure the space tire, all jacking equip-
ment, any tire inflator and any covers or doors are securely
stowed at all times. Oil jack ratchet or screw mechanism
after each use.
Key lock service - Lubricate key lock cylinder at
least annually.
Body lubrication service - Lubricate all body
door hinges including the tailgate or hatchback lid (if
equipped). Also lubricate the body hood, fuel door and
rear compartment hinges and latches including interior
glove box and counsel doors, and any folding seat
hardware.
"Fansmissionltransaxle neutral or clutch
starl switch operation
CAUnON: Before pedorming the follow-
ing safety switch check, be sure to have
enough room around the car. Then, firmly
apply both the parking brake (see your
Owner's Manual for procedure) and the
regular brakes. Do not use the accelerator pedal.
If the engine
starls, be ready to turn
off the ignition promptly. Take these pre-
cautions because the car could move
without warning and possibly cause per-
sonal injury or properly damage. On auto-
matic transmissionltransaxle cars, try to
starl the engine in each gear. The starler
should crank only in "Park" or "Neutral."
On manual transmissionltransaxle cars,
place the
shiR lever in "Neutral," push the
clutch halfway and try to starl. The starler
should crank only when the clutch is fully
depressed.
Steering column lock operation
- While
parked, try to turn key to "Lock" in each gear range. The
key should turn to "Lock" only when gear is in "Park" on
automatic or "Reverse" on manual
transmissionltransax-
le. On cars with key release lever, try to turn key toULock"
without depressing the lever. The key should turn to
"Lock" only with the key lever depressed. On all vehicles,
the key should come out only in "Lock."
Parking brake and transmissionltransaxle
"Park" mechanism operation
CAUT1ON:Before checking the holding
ability of the parking brake and automatic
transmissionltransaxle "Park" mecha-
nism, park on a fairly steep hill with
enough room for movement in the down-
hill direction. To reduce the risk of person-
al injury or property damage, be prepared
to apply the regular brakes promptly if the
car begins to move.
To check the parking brake, with the engine running and
transmission/transaxle in "Neutral." slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake pedal (until the car is held
by only the parking brake).
To check the automatic transmissionltransaxle "Park"
mechanism holding ability, release all brakes after shift-
ing the transmissionltransaxle to "Park."
ljnderbody flushing - At least every spring,
tlush from the underbody with plain water any corrosive
materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control.
Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Sediment packed in closed areas
of the vehicle should be loosened before being flushed.
Engine cooling system service - Inspect
coolant and freeze protection. If dirty or rusty, drain, flush
and refill with new coolant. Keep coolant
at the proper
mixture as specified in your Owner's Manual. This pro-
vides proper freeze protection. corrosion inhibitor level
and engine operating temperature. Inspect hoses and re-
place if cracked. swollen or deteriorated. Tighten hose
clamps. Clean outside of radiator and air conditioning
condensor. Wash radiator filler cap and neck.
To help
ensure proper operation. a pressure test of both the cooling
system and cap is also recommended. (See maintenance
schedule charts in Figure
OB-l for the recommended
coolant change interval.)

NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your GM dealer.
Figure 00-2 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
USAGE
Engine
Oil
Engine Coolant
Brake and
Hydraul~c Clutch Systems
Parking Brake Cables
Power Steering System
Manual
Steerlng Gear (reclrculat~ng ball)
Automatic
Transrn~ssionRransaxle and 5 Speed Manual Transm~ss~ons
Manual Transm~ssion (rear-wheel-drive) 4 Speed
Manual
Transm~ss~onRransaxle Shin Linkage
Key Lock Cylinders
Automatic Transmlss~onfrransaxle Shlft Llnkage
Clutch Llnkage Plvot Po~nts
Floor Sh~n L~nkage
Power Antenna Mast (3-mast sect~on-type only)
Chass~s Lubr~cation
Standard D~fferent~al Rear Axle
L~m~ted-Sl~p D~flerent~al Rear Axle
W~ndsh~eld.Washer Solvent
Hood Latch Assembly
a)
Plvots and Sprlng Anchor
b) Release Pawl
Front Wheel Bearings
(rearqwheel-drive)
Hood and door hlnges, statlon wagon tailgate hlnge or hatchback Ild and Ilnkage, headl~ght door assembl~es, statlon wagon rear foldrng seat, fuel door hlnge, rear compartment Ihd hlnges
Weatherstr~ps
FLUlDlLUBRlCANT
GM Goodwrench Motor 011 or equivalent for API Se~lce, SFICC or SFICD of the
recommended v~scos~ty
M~xture of water and good qual~ty ethylene glycol base antllreeze conforming to GM spec 1825M (GM Part No 1052753)
Delco Supreme 11
Fluld (GM Part No 1052535) or DOT-3 Fluld
Chass~s grease meetlng requirements of GM-6031M (GM Part No 1052497)
GM power
steerlng flu~d, Part No 1052884 or equivalent
Use lubricant meetlng requirements of GM-4673M (GM Part No 1052182)
DEXR0N'-II Automat~c Transm~ss~on Flu~d (GM Part No 1051855) Camaro and Flreblrd (5 Speed)
Corvette overdr~ve unlt - DEXRON a.II All others SAE-80W-90 GL-5 gear lubr~cant (GM Part No 1052271)
Chass~s grease meetlng requirements of GM-6031M (GM Part No 1052497)
Black Key Lock
Cyl~nders - light oil (GM Par1 No. 1052949)
All other Key Lock Cyl~nders - sllicone lubrlcant (GM Part No 1052277)
Eng~ne 011
Eng~ne 011
Eng~ne 011
Llght 011 (GM Part No 1052949)
Chass~s grease meetlng requirements of GM-6031M (GM Part No 1052497)
SAE
80W or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 (SAE 80W GL-5 In Canada) gear lubricant (GM Part No
1052271)
For Camaro only
- Use SAE BOW190 GL-5+ Hypold 011 (GM Part No 1050010), 11 equ~pped wl5 7L (L98) Englne or 5 OL (LB9) engine wmpeed manual transm~ss~on and disc brakes
All other applications - Use SAE 80W or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Lubr~cant (GM Part No
1052271)
GM
Opt~kleen Washer Solvent (GM Part No 1051515) or equ~valent
a) Eng~ne 011 b) Chass~s grease meet~ng requirements of GM.6031M (GM Part No 1052497)
Lubricant GM Part No 1051344 grease or equivalent
Eng~ne 011
S~l~cone Grease (GM Part No 1052863) or equivalent

CONTROL HANDLE INSTALLATION
1-UPPER DASH PANEL AND 4-INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY 8-VENT DUCT RIGHT-HAND
PLENUM CHAMBER
5-DUCT AND VALVE ASSEMBLY
9-RIGHT-HAND VENT CONTROL
2-CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY
LEFT-HAND
&VENT DUCT LEFT-HAND 10-LEFT-HAND VENT CONTROL
3-CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY 7-STEERING COLUMN
COVER
RIGHT-HAND

18-4 AIR CONDITIONING
If replacement of the pressure cycling switch is
necessary, it is important to note that this may be done
without removing the refrigerant charge.
A Schrader-
type valve is located in the pressure switch fitting.
During replacement of the pressure switch, a new
oiled O-ring must be installed and the switch assem-
bled to the specified torque of
6- 13 N*m (5- 10 lb. ft.).
Power Steering Gut-OH, or Anticipate
Switch
Engine idle quality on some cars is maintained
by cutting off the compressor (switch normally
closed) when high power steering loads are imposed.
On other cars the switch (normally open) provides a
signal to the ECM to allow engine control systems to
compensate for high-power steering loads.
Wide-Open Tkroale (WOT) Compressor
Cut-Out
Switch
A switch located on the throttle corltrols of some
carburetor equipped cars opens the circuit to the com-
pressor clutch during full throttle acceleration. The
switch activates a relay that controls the compressor
clutch. During full throttle acceleration
on cars
equipped with TBI or
Em, the TPS sends a signal to
the ECM, thereby controlling the compressor clutch.
Air Conditioning Time Delay Relay
This relay on some cars controls the current to
the entire air conditioning system and provides a short
delay of air conditioning operation upon start-up.
Constant Run Relay
Engine idle quality on some cars is maintained
by a "constant run" system (constant run relay) that
eliminates compressor cycling during engine idle for a
predetermined time after the vehicle has come to rest
from road speed.
If the idle period continues for an
extended time, the
A/C system may return to a con-
ventional C.C.O.T. mode for a short time to prevent
system freeze-up. The
A/C control relay and constant
run relays are both controlled by the Electronic Con-
trol Module (ECM) which determines operating con-
ditions by evaluating input from the distributor
(engine speed), vehicle speed sensor, air sensor and
A/C compressor "on" signal.
5-PRESSURE CYCLING 8-EXPANSION TUBE
SWITCH (ORIFICE)
6-DESSICANT BAG O-LIQUID LINE
7-OIL BLEED HOLE
10-PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
@ ee LOW PRESSURE LIQUID HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID LOW PRESURE VAPOR HIGH PRESSURE VAPOR
Figure 2 A/C System - Typical

STEERING, SUSPENSION, f IRES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS 3.1
SECVION 3
STEER NG, SUSPENS
WHEELS
AGNOS
CONTENTS
........................................... General Information 3- 1 ............................................ General Diagnosis 3- 1
Power Recirculating Ball .................................. 3-3
................. Steering Linkage ........................ .. 3-3
Power Steering Pump ................... ... ............ 3-4
Steering Column
Lock System
........................... ... ................ 3-4
Column ............................................................ 3-5
........................................ Turn Signal Switch 3-6
Ignition Switch .............................................. 3-7
Key Reminder .............................................. 3-7
Dimmer Switch .................... ... ................ 3-10
Pivot and Switch Assembly ............................ 3-10
Steering Gear and Pump Leaks .......................... 3- 10
Seal Replacement Recommendations ................. 3- 10
Power Steering System Test Procedure .............. 3-12
................ Strut Dampener and Shock Absorber 3- 12
Tires ........................ .. ..................................... 3- 13
Vibrations .......................... .............. .................... 3- 14
.......................... Tapered Roller Bearings .. .... 3- 14
Trim Height .............................................. 3-14
GENERAL INFORMATION Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear
Since the problems in steering, suspension, tires
and wheels involve several systems, they must all be
considered when diagnosing a complaint. To avoid
e Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
using the wrong symptom, always road test the car
o Sagging or broken springs
first. Proceed with the following preliminary checks
Tire out of balance and correct any substandard conditions which are worn strut dampener or shock absorber found. o Hard driving
--
e Tires for wrong pressure and uneven wear
o Joints from the column to the steering gear for
loose connectors or wear
o Front and rear suspension, and the steering gear
or linkage for loose or damaged parts
Out-of-round or out-of-balance tires, bent wheels,
and loose and/or rough wheel bearings
@ Power steering system for leaks. Also check the
power steering fluid level and the pump drive belt
tension
GENERAL DIAGNOSIS
Car Pulls (Leads)
Inspect
Mismatched or uneven tires
Broken or sagging springs
Radial tire lateral force
Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
o Steering gear valve off center (unbalanced)
e Front brakes dragging
a Overloaded car
e Not rotating tires
Scuffed Tires
o Toe incorrect
e Excessive speed on turns
o Suspension arm bent or twisted
Wheel Tramp
Inspect
o Blister or bump on tire
o Improper strut dampener or shock absorber
action
Shimmy, Shake or Vibration
inspect
e Tire or wheel out of balance
e Worn wheel bearings
a Worn tie rod ends
o Worn lower ball joints

3-2 STEERING, SUSPENSION, TIRES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS
o Excessive wheel runout
e Blister or bump on tire
e Excessive loaded radial runout of tire and wheel
assembly
Hard Steering (Power)
lnspect
e Hydraulic system - Make test with gage J 5176
or J 25323
e Steering gear adjustment
e Bind or catch in steering gear
e Loose steering gear mounting
e Steering gear pressure port check valve (800
series)
Too Much Play In Steering
a lnspect
e Wheel bearings worn
e Loose steering gear mounting
e Joints from column to steering gear loose or worn
e Steering gear adjustment
Poor Returnability (Power)
Inspect
e Lack of lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
o Bind in ball joints
o Rind in steering column
e Front-wheel alignment
e Steering gear adjustment
e Sticking valve
o Steering gear adjustment
e Lower coupling binding on steering gear
Abnormal Noise, Front End
lnspect
Lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
Damaged suspension components
Worn control arm bushings or tie rod ends
Imose stabilizer shaft
Loose wheel nuts
Loose suspension bolts
Wheel covers
Steering gear adjustment
Worn strut dampener, shock absorbers or
n~ountings
Spring improperly positioned
Wander or Poor Steering Stability
Inspect
o Mismatched or uneven tires
e Lubrication - ball joints and tie rod ends
e Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
e Loose stabilizer shaft Broken
or sagging springs
e Steering gear adjustment
e Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
Erratic Steering When Braking
lnspect
e Wheel bearings worn
e Broken or sagging springs
e Leaking wheel cylinder or caliper
Warped rotors
e Incorrect or uneven caster
Low Or Uneven Trim Height
e Broken or sagging springs
@ Overloaded car
e Incorrect or weak springs
Ride Too Soft
Inspect
e Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
e Incorrect or sagging springs
Ride Too Harsh
lnspect -
e Incorrect strut dampeners or shock absorbers
e Incorrect springs
Body Leans Or Sways In Corners
lnspect
e Loose stabilizer shaft
e Worn strut dampeners, shock absorbers or
mounting
a Broken or sagging springs
e Overloaded car
Suspension Bottoms
lnspect
a Overloaded car
e Worn strut dampeners or shock absorbers
e Incorrect, broken or sagging spring
"Dog" Tracking
lnspect
e Damaged rear suspension arm or worn bushings
e Bent rear axle
e Frame or underbody alignment incorrect

STEERING, SUSPENSION, VIBES AND WHEELS DIAGNOSIS 3-3
Steering Wheel Kick-Back (Power)
Inspect
e Air in system
e Loose steering gear mounting
e Joints from column to steering gear loose or worn
e Tie rod ends loose
Worn or missing check valve
(800 series)
e Wheel bearings worn
e See "Too Much Play In Steering" for other
possible causes.
Steering Wheel Surges Or Jerks (Power)
Inspect
Hydraulic system - Make pressure test with gage
J 5176-D or
J 25323
e Sluggish steering gear valve
Loose pump drive belt
Cupped Tires
Inspect
Front-wheel or rear-wheel alignment
e Strut dampeners or shock absorbers weak
e Wheel bearing worn
e Excessive tire or wheel runout
e Worn ball joint
a Loose steering gear adjustment
POWER RECIRCULATING BALL
SEERING GEAR DIAGNOSIS
Hissing Noise
There is some noise in all power steering systems.
One of the most common is a hissing sound when the
steering wheel is turned and the car is not moving. This
noise will be most evident when turning the wheel
while the brakes are applied. There is no relationship
between this noise and steering performance. Do not
replace the valve unless the "hissing" noise is extremely
objectionable. A replacement valve will also have a
slight noise, and is not always a cure for the condition.
Check that the intermediate shaft joints are not loose.
Rattle or Chucking Noise
Inspect -
Pressure hose grounding out
e Tie rod ends loose
e Steering gear attachment loose
a Loose pitman shaft "over-center" adjustment.
A slight rattle may occur on turns because of
increased clearance off the "high point". This is
normal and clearance must not be reduced below
specified limits to eliminate this slight rattle.
Poor Return of Steering Wheel to Center
Front-wheel alignment
Wheel bearing worn
Tie rod end binding
Ball joint binding
Steering wheel rubbing against turn signal
housing
Steering gear adjustments
Tight or frozen intermediate steering shaft
Sticky or plugged spool valve
Momentary Increase in Effort Whsn Turning
Wheel Fast to Right or Left
Inspect
High internal leakage
Steering Wheel Surges or Jerks When Turning
With
Engine Running Especially During Parking
ln8pe~t
e Insufficient pump pressure
Sticky flow control valve
Excessive Wheel Kickback or Loose Steering
Air in system
Steering gear attachment loose
Tie rod ends loose
Wheel bearings worn
Steering gear flexible coupling loose on shaft or
rubber disc mounting nuts loose
Loose thrust bearing preload adjustment
Excessive "over-center" lash
Worn pressure port check valve
Hard Steering or Lack of Assist
(Especially During Parking)
-
Brakes applied while turning steering wheel
Intermediate shaft damaged or worn
e Sticky flow control valve
Insufficient pump pressure
Excessive internal pump leakage
Excessive internal steering gear leakage
STEERING LINKAGE DIAGNOSIS
Excessive Play or Looseness in Steering Systern
inspect
r, Worn upper ball joints
e Steering gear worm bearings loosely adjusted