- Tie rod ends. Check for play, condition of fastening and dust caps.
- Ball joints. Check dust caps.
- Power steering. Check the fluid level, top up if necessary. Visually inspect the steering gear, power steering pump, all pipes and the tightness of their connections.
Tie Rod End and Ball Joint Dust Caps - Check
1. Place the front of the vehicle on jack stands.
2. Check the ball joint caps on the left and right sides for damage by shining a flashlight on them (see arrows in the illustration).
3. Replace damaged caps. For safety reasons, replace the corresponding ball joint together with the cap, because if dirt gets into it, it will certainly break the support.
Power Steering - Checking Fluid Level
The oil level in the power steering reservoir should be checked with the engine turned off.
4. Unscrew the power steering reservoir cap and remove it. Wipe the dipstick on the cap with a clean, lint-free cloth (see illustration).
5. Replace the cap and remove the dipstick. The oil level in the tank should be between both marks on the dipstick. If the engine is warm, the fluid level in the tank may be near the upper mark. When the oil is cold, its level should not be below the minimum mark. If necessary, adjust the oil level. You can add Dextron lit transmission oil. Be sure to add only fresh oil, because even the slightest contamination will lead to malfunctions in the power steering.
6. Add oil, start the engine and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times with the engine running. This will remove air from the power steering.
It is recommended to check the tightness of the steering control when adding fluid to the reservoir.
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