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To diagnose steering problems remember there are basically two types of steering systems: the rack and pinion setup and the steering gear equipped. Most front wheel drive vehicles use the rack and pinion and most rear wheel drive vehicles use the steering gear option but sometimes use the rack & pinion depending on the model.

1) If you have to constantly adjust the steering wheel while trying to drive straight down the road then you most likely have a worn (loose) tie rod end with the rack & pinion system. On the steering gear setup it could be a tie rod end, idler arm, pitman arm or the center link. To pinpoint the problem you will need to raise the vehicle with a suitable jack and stands to check for the loose part. You can do this by turning the wheel back and forth by hand with just a little movement.

2) If your vehicle seems to jump or drastically steer to the left or right when you hit a pothole then you may have ball joints that are worn (loose); this would be a problem for either steering system. Plus if it's a truck with the steering gear setup you may have a tracking bar problem. To check ball joints you will need to jack up the front of one side of the vehicle and use a bar under the tire to move the tire back and forth while someone else watches for play in the joint. This is a dangerous check so you may want to leave this to the mechanic.

3) If your vehicle is hard to steer then most likely there is a problem with the power steering pump and or fluid. The power steering system may have a leak and be low on fluid or the pump itself may have failed. If the system is just low on fluid try to pinpoint the leak, it may just be a line that can easily be replaced. If there are no leaks, the system is full of fluid but the power steering pump is noisy, then you will most likely need to replace the pump itself.

Lastly to help decrease steering problems check your power steering fluid regularly, at least at every oil change. If the steering linkage has grease points make sure you give those some attention at oil change time as well. Don't let a steering problem go for too long, especially if there is play in the steering wheel. That's a potential dangerous situation that you don't want anyone to be a part of.

Learn more about this author, Mike Webb.
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