Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Symptom Chart

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Hard Steering or Lack of Assist
  • Seized lower steering column shaft U-joints.
  • Damaged, fractured steering column bearing(s).
  • Power steering pump.
  • Suspension components.
  • Steering gear internal leakage.
  • INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft.
  • REPAIR the steering column.
  • GO to Pump Flow and Pressure Test Component Test in this section.
  • GO to Pump Flow and Pressure Test Component Test in this section.
  • Excessive Steering Pump Noise
  • Power steering pump.
  • GO to Pump Flow and Pressure Test Component Test in this section
  • Excessive Steering Wheel Play
  • Damaged, loose, or worn tie-rod end (3A130).
  • Loose, worn or damaged front wheel spindle tie-rod (3280).
  • Damaged/worn steering gear.
  • Loose, worn or damaged steering column bearing(s)
  • Loose, worn or damaged lower steering column shaft U-joint(s).
  • GO to the Steering Linkage Component Test.
  • GO to the Tie-Rod Articulation Torque Component Test
  • INSTALL a new steering gear
  • INSTALL new steering column bearing(s)
  • INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft.
  • Wander
  • Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle.
  • Loose, worn or damaged front wheel spindle tie-rod.
  • Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends.
  • Loose or damaged steering gear mounting bolts.
  • Loose lower steering column shaft U-joint bolts.
  • Loose, worn or damaged lower steering column shaft U-joints.
  • Loose, worn or damaged steering column bearing(s).
  • Suspension components.
  • INFORM the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
  • GO to the Tie-Rod Articulation Torque Component Test
  • GO to the Steering Linkage Component Test.
  • INSTALL new or TIGHTEN bolts.
  • TIGHTEN the bolts.
  • INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft
  • INSTALL new steering column bearings.
  • Drift/Pull
  • Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle.
  • Wheel alignment.
  • Loose, worn or damaged front wheel spindle tie-rod.
  • Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends.
  • Suspension components.
  • The steering gear valve effort out of balance.
  • Check the brake system for proper operation.
  • Incorrect frame/underbody alignment.
  • INFORM the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
  • CHECK the wheel alignment. ADJUST as required
  • GO to the Tie-Rod Articulation Torque Component Test.
  • GO to the Steering Linkage Component Test.
  • For suspension system diagnosis and testing.
  • GO to Steering Gear Valve Component Test in this section.
  • CORRECT as required. REFER to Frame Dimension Manual.
  • Feedback
  • Loose, worn or damaged front wheel spindle tie-rod.
  • Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends.
  • Loose or damaged steering gear insulators or bolts.
  • Loose lower steering column shaft U-joint bolts.
  • Loose suspension bushings, fasteners or ball joints.
  • Worn or damaged steering column bearing(s).
  • GO to the Tie-Rod Articulation Torque Component Test.
  • GO to the Steering Linkage Component Test.
  • INSTALL new or TIGHTEN the retaining bolts.
  • TIGHTEN the bolts.
  • INSTALL new suspension components as necessary
  • INSTALL new steering column bearing(s).
  • Poor Returnability/Sticky Steering
  • Binding lower steering column shaft U-joints.
  • Loose, worn or damaged front wheel spindle tie-rod.
  • Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends.
  • Suspension components.
  • Binding steering column bearing(s).
  • INSTALL a new lower steering column shaft.
  • GO to the Tie-Rod Articulation Torque Component Test.
  • GO to the Steering Linkage Component Test.
  • For suspension system diagnosis and testing.
  • INSTALL new steering column bearing(s).
  • Shimmy
  • Loose, worn or damaged tie-rod end.
  • Loose, worn or damaged front wheel spindle tie-rod.
  • Suspension components.
  • GO to the Steering Linkage Component Test.
  • GO to the Tie-Rod Articulation Torque Component Test.
  • For suspension system diagnosis and testing.
    Steering System Symptom Definitions
    Drift/Pull Pull is a tugging sensation, felt by the hands on the steering wheel, that must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight. Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does wit ...

    Component Tests
    Steering Linkage 1. NOTE: Excessive vertical motion of the studs relative to the sockets may indicate excessive wear. With the parking brake applied, perform the following: Have an assistant rotat ...

    Other materials:

    Knob
    Removal 1. Remove the shifter top control panel. 2. Disconnect the electrical connectors. 3. Remove the shifter bezel. 4. Remove the bulb from the bezel. 5. Disconnect the TCS connector. 6. CAUTION: Extra force may be needed to lift up on the handle. Do ...

    Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill
    Special Tool(s) Automatic Transmission Flush and Fill Machine 211-00018 Automatic Transmission Flush and Fill Machine 199-00010 or equivalent Material Item Specification MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-5-QM M ...

    Installation
    CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result. 1. NOTE: Two technicians are necessary to carry out this step. Install the instrument panel. 2. Install the upper instrument pa ...