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Steering problems can be a complicated subject for those not experienced in such things. If you encounter a steering problem think back to when it really began. Did it come on slowly or was it sudden? Did you hit something in the road or run through a deep pothole just before the problem appeared? If the power assist failed, can you still guide the vehicle while moving or not? Questions such as these may lead one to the source of the problem and sometimes will be asked by the service technician.

Steering problems in general can be anything from suspension problems or alignment problems to outright gear failure.
Wandering on the road without slack in the steering itself can signal loose or damaged suspension parts, some steering parts or wheel alignment problems. Look for a possible bent tie rod as too much toe out will make a vehicle wander on the road. Check the steer tires by rubbing your open palm back and forth across the tread. Sharp edges felt in one direction but not the other is a sign of toe problems. Pulling or drifting in one direction can signal camber or cross caster problems with possible worn or damaged ball joints, etc. Also look for slack in only one tie rod end or idler arm etc. Slack in one tie rod end can cause wander without necessarily causing steering slack. Idler arm slack can possibly do the same thing. Look for signs of damage or movement in all the suspension parts.
If there is slack in the steering check out the steering components while someone else gently turns the steering wheel back and forth. Do not actually turn the tires but only move the steering wheel as much as the slack allows. Where you see movement of one part and not of the adjoining part will be the source of the slack (note: some steering gears normally have a small amount of slack without the engine running). Look on the steering shaft (column shaft) just below the firewall and see if there is movement in the link located in that steering shaft. Check the pitman arm for slack (draglink on larger vehicles). If there is slack with the engine running, check to see if the output shaft moves on the steering gear when the input shaft moves. Follow on through all the steering parts in like manner.
If there is complete or partial failure of the power assist, be sure to check the power steering fluid level and drive belt to the power steering pump. Loose or slipping drive belts are a common cause of power assist problems. If there is no fluid in the reservoir

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