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:

    Supercharger Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
    Draining WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot ...

    Locking and unlocking
    You can use the power door lock control or the remote control to lock and unlock your vehicle. Power Door Locks The power door lock control is located on the driver and front passenger door panels. A. Unlock B. Lock Remote Control You can use the remote cont ...

    Air Cleaner Element - 3.8L
    Removal and Installation 1. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube. For additional information, refer to Air Cleaner Outlet Pipe- 3.8L in this section 2. Disconnect the connector. 3. Remove the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. 1. Release the clips. 2. Re ...