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:

    Differential Case
    Special Tool(s) 2-Jaw Puller 205-D072 (D97L-4221-A) or equivalent Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture 100-002 (TOOL-4201-C) or equivalent Gauge, Clutch Housing 308-021 (T75L-4201-A) or equivalent Instal ...

    Glass, Frames and Mechanisms (Diagnosis and Testing)
    Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 100 , Power Windows for schematic and connector information. Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 56 , Rear Window Defrost for schematic and connector information. Special Tool(s) Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) 4 ...

    Differential Housing Cover
    Removal 1. Raise and support the vehicle. 2. NOTE: Empty the lubricant into a clean container for reuse. Remove the differential housing cover (4033). 1. Remove the 10 bolts and drain the lubricant from the differential housing (4010). 2. Remove the d ...