Ford 2002 Bantam, Workshop Manual, Page: 263 / 1663

211-00-2 Steering System — General Information 211-00-2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Steering System
Principles of Operations
The steering wheel rotational movement is
transferred to the steering gear through the
steering column shaft. The steering gear converts
this rotational movement, through the action of
the rack and pinion gear into lateral movement.
This movement in turn is transferred to the wheel
knuckle through the tie-rods and tie-rod ends.
Hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to the
steering gear by the power steering pump. As the
steering wheel is rotated, the hydraulic fluid is
allowed to pass through the steering gear valve
to one side of a double-acting piston, dependent
on which direction the steering wheel is rotated.
The fluid moves the piston, which forms part of
the steering gear, giving power assistance to the
effort required to turn the front road wheels.
Inspection and Verification
1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually inspect the obvious signs of
mechanical or electrical damage.
Visual Inspection Chart
Mechanical Electrical
• Tyre pressure.
• Accessory drive belt.
• Wheels and tyres.
• Power steering line
fluid leaks.
• Power steering pressure
(PSP) switch.
• Fuse(s).
• Electrical connector(s).
3. If an obvious cause for an observed or
reported concern is found, correct the cause
(if possible) before proceeding to the next
step.
4. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the
symptom and refer to the Symptom Chart.
Symptom Chart
Symptom Chart
Condition Possible Sources Action
• The steering is very difficult/very
easy
• Loose or worn accessory drive
belt.
• CHECK the accessory drive
belt. REFER to Section 303-05.
• Power steering fluid. • CHECK the power steering fluid
reservoir level. CHECK for aera-
tion and contamination. For ad-
ditional information,
refer to
Power Steering Systems Purg-
ing in this section.
• Worn mechanical power steer-
ing pump.
• INSTALL a new power steering
pump.
REFER to Section 211- 02.
• Power steering hose restriction. • CHECK the power steering
hoses for damage, kinks or re-
strictions. INSTALL new com-
ponents as necessary.
REFER to Section 211-02.
• Seized suspension ball joints. • CARRY out a ball joint compo-
nent test.
REFER to Section 204-00.
• Moan type noise • Routing of power steering
hoses.
• CHECK the security and routing
of the power steering hoses.
E6308 EN 07/2001 2002 Bantam