Suzuki 2006 SX4, Service Manual

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6A-1 Steering General Diagnosis:
Steering
Steering General Diagnosis
Precautions
Precautions for Steering Diagnosis
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Since the problems in steering involve several systems, they must all be considered when diagnosing a complaint. To
avoid using the wrong symptom, always road test the vehicle first. Proceed with the following preliminary inspection
and correct any defects which are found.
1) Inspect tires for proper pressure and uneven wear.
2) Raise vehicle on a hoist and inspect steering system for loose or damaged parts.
3) Spin front wheels. Inspect for out-of-round tires, out-of-balance tires, bent rims, loosen and/or rough wheel
bearings.
Diagnostic Information and Procedures
Steering Symptom Diagnosis
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Condition Possible cause Correction / Reference Item
Hard steering Tire not adequately inflated Inflate tires to proper pressure.
Malfunction of power steering system Check and correct. Refer to “P/S System
Symptom Diagnosis in Section 6C”.
Bind in tie-rod end ball studs or lower
ball joints Replace tie-rod end or front suspension control
arm.
Disturbed front wheel alignment Check and adjust front wheel alignment.
Bind in steering column Repair or replace steering column assembly.
Rack and pinion adjustment Check and adjustment rack and pinion torque.
Too much play in steering Wheel bearings worn Replace wheel bearing.
Loose steering gear case bolts Tighten gear case bolts.
Faulty steering gear case assembly Replace steering gear case assembly.
Worn steering shaft joints Replace steering lower shaft assembly.
Worn tie-rod ends or tie-rod inside ball
joints Replace tie-rod end or tie-rod.
Worn lower ball joints Replace front suspension control arm.
Rack and pinion adjustment Check and adjustment rack and pinion torque.
Poor return ability Bind in tie-rod end ball studs Replace tie-rod end.
Bind in ball joints Replace front suspension control arm.
Bind in steering column Replace steering column assembly.
Disturbed front end alignment Check and adjust front end alignment.
Faulty steering gear case assembly Replace steering gear case assembly.
Tires not adequately inflated Adjust tire pressure.
Rack and pinion adjustment Check and adjustment rack and pinion torque.
Rack and pinion noise
(Rattle or chuckle) Loose steering gear case bolts Tighten steering gear case bolts.
Rack and pinion adjustment Check and adjustment rack and pinion torque.
Faulty steering gear case assembly Replace steering gear case assembly.
Broken or otherwise damaged wheel
bearing(s) Replace wheel bearing(s).
Wander or poor steering
stability Mismatched or uneven tires Replace or inflate tires to proper pressure.
Loosen ball joints and tie-rod ends Replace suspension control arm or tie-rod end.
Faulty struts or mountings Replace strut or repair mounting.
Loose stabilizer bar Tighten or replace stabilizer bar or bush.
Broken or sagging coil springs Replace coil spring.
Rack and pinion adjustment Check and adjustment rack and pinion torque.
Disturbed front wheel alignment Check and adjust front wheel alignment.
Faulty steering gear case assembly Replace steering gear case assembly.