STEERING COLUMN AND CYLINDER TROUBLESHOOTING

TM 10-3930-638-24&P

3-23. STEERING COLUMN AND CYLINDER TROUBLESHOOTING

MALFUNCTION

TEST OR INSPECTION

CORRECTIVE ACTION

1. EFFORT TO TURN IN ONE DIRECTION IS MORE THAN REQUIRED IN OTHER DIRECTION

Disconnect horn switch (para 2-32b) to gain access to steering wheel retaining nut.

Park vehicle on dry pavement and center steering wheel.

Start engine and operate at a fast idle.

Using a torque wrench on steering wheel retaining nut, measure and record effort required to turn steering

wheel to the right.

Then, center steering wheel and measure and record effort required to turn steering wheel to the left.

The difference between the two torque readings should be less than 2 pound inches.

If the difference between torque readings for left turn and right turn is more than 2 pound

inches, steering gear is damaged or has incorrect shims installed. Repair steering gear (para 3-24b).

2. STEERING WHEEL TURNS HARD IN BOTH DIRECTIONS

Park vehicle on dry pavement with engine off.

Step 1.

Turn steering wheel in both directions and check for binding or unusual noises at the steering

column.

a. If binding or unusual noises are detected, repair steering column (para 3-24a).

b. If steering wheel turns smoothly, without binding or unusual noises, proceed to step 2.

Step 2.

Rotate steering wheel until vehicle is fully turned

(articulated) to the left.

With engine off, loosen two clamps and slide cylinder

guard toward front of vehicle, and disconnect hose

from elbow as shown.

WARNING

Keep hands and feet clear of steering

cylinder assembly while checking for

leakage. Failure to do so could cause

bodily injury.

Start engine and hold steering wheel at the full left

turn position.

Check for hydraulic oil leakage from the open steer-

ing cylinder elbow, then stop engine.

a. Hydraulic oil coming from open steering cylinder

elbow indicates internal steering cylinder leakage.

Repair steering cylinder assembly (para 3-24d).

b. If hydraulic oil does not leak from open steer-

ing cylinder elbow, proceed to step 3.