operators_manual

gear. It also serves to lubricate moving
parts and remove heat. A loss of steering
ef
ficiency will occur if too much heat builds
up in the system.
If the steering feels unbalanced from side-
to-side while turning, check for the
following possible causes:
• Unequal tire pressures
• Vehicle overloaded or unevenly
distributed load
• Wheels out of alignment
• Wheel bearings improperly
adjusted
If you cannot correct the problem, check
with an authorized dealer.
Your vehicle is equipped with integral
power steering. The system includes an
engine-driven fluid pump, a fluid reservoir,
the steering gear, and connecting hoses.
Because of the hydraulic power assist, little
effort is required to turn the steering wheel.
When no input is applied through the
steering wheel, the steering gear will return
to the neutral position. If, for any reason,
the power assist system goes out, steering
the vehicle is still possible but it will require
much greater effort.
Visually check the following parts:
• Crosstube: Is it straight?
• Drag link tube clamp: Check for
looseness or interference
• Ball joints and steering U-joints:
Check for looseness
• Steering wheel for excessive free-
play. Check the simplest probable
causes first: (A) unequal tire
pressures; (B) loose cap nuts; (C)
bent crosstube; or (D) lack of
lubrication
If these checks do not reveal the problem,
or if you correct them and still have a
steering problem, take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for evaluation.
Power Steering Fluid
CAUTION
When adding fluid, be sure to use fluid
of the same type. While many fluids
have the same description and intend-
ed purpose, they should not be mixed
due to incompatible additives. Mixing
incompatible fluids may lead to equip-
ment damage.
NOTE
Before removing reservoir cap, wipe
the
outside of the cap so that no dirt or
debris falls into the reservoir.
Check the power steering fluid level using
the following procedure:
1.
Park the vehicle on level ground
and turn the engine off.
2. Open hood
3. Open the fill cap to the power
steering reservoir.
• If you check the fluid with the
engine and steering system
COLD, the fluid level should be
at or above the Minimum
indicator level and should
generally not exceed the middle
point between Maximum and
Minimum level indicators.
• If you check the fluid with the
engine and steering system
WARM, the fluid should NOT
exceed the Maximum level
indicator and should generally
not drop below the middle point
between the Maximum and
Minimum level indicators.
MAINTENANCE - Steering System
Y53-6096-1C1 (09/20) 237
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