Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

NOTE: Use a clean work bench and tools.

1. Inspect the steering gear for signs of leakage, cracks or other damage.
2. Clean the exterior of the steering gear with solvent. If necessary, drain off excess power steering fluid.
3. Handle the parts carefully to avoid nicks, burrs, scratches, and dirt. Do not use solvent on seals.
4. Inspect the steering gear housing for wear, scoring, or burrs.
5. Check the fluid passages for obstruction or leakage.
6. Inspect the steering gear housing for cracks and stripped threads and the mating surfaces for burrs. Inspect the steering gear housing bore for scoring or wear. If necessary, replace the steering gear.
7. Ensure the power steering gear input shaft and control and bearings rotate freely.
8. Inspect the steering gear sector shaft teeth for nicks and burrs.