Power Assisted Steering

Information

This sub-section applies to all types of power assisted steering systems. 

The inspection of all parts of steering linkage associated with the power steering mechanism is detailed in sub-section ‘Steering System’.

If power steering is optional fitment on the vehicle but has been disconnected in such a way that there is no adverse effect on the steering, that is not a Reason for Rejection. It may be necessary to verify this by test driving. 

Where there is a fluid leak, ensure it is from the power steering system and not from another source. 

If excessive free play is suspected, a further check should be made by applying manual effort to the ball-pin or ram body at right angles to the ram centre line. 

Manually switched Electronic Park Assist 

This is designed to be activated when parking the vehicle. However it is not a reason for rejection if the power assistance is inoperative provided the function of the steering is not adversely affected. It may be necessary to verify this by test driving. 

Method of Inspection 

1. Where visible (without the removal of reservoir cap), check the power steering fluid level in the reservoir. 

2. Check the condition of power steering pipes and hoses. 

3. With the front road wheels on the ground, vehicle in neutral gear and the parking brake applied, run the engine and rock the steering wheel in both directions. 

Check: 

a. by feel at the steering wheel, that the system is operating 

b. for leaks in the system 

c. that feed pipes are free from damage and are not chafing on other parts of the vehicle. 

4. In the case of external power systems check: 

a. the ram anchorages for cracks, damage and security to the frame or other fixed members of the vehicle 

b. the ram for cracks and/or damage 

c. for movement indicating wear at the anchorage point 

d. misalignment or fouling of components. 

5. With the engine stopped and steering wheel lightly rocked, check for excessive free play between ball-pin and valve. 

6. Where practicable, check the security of the power steering pump and the condition of its drive system. 

7. Check for any inappropriate repair or modification to power steering system components. 

8. Where electronic power steering is fitted, check that the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) does not indicate a failure in the system. 

Reason For Rejection

		Reason For Rejection	Deficiency Category
1		Power steering fluid level below the minimum indication where this is shown.	MINOR
2		Power steering fluid reservoir empty	MAJOR
3		A fluid pipe or hose excessively damaged, corroded or fouling on other parts of the vehicle.	MAJOR
4	a	a. Power steering malfunctioning or inoperative or evidence that power assistance has been removed or disconnected when it is known that power steering is standard on the vehicle	MAJOR
	b	b. a leak in the system showing that a component, joint or seal has failed	MAJOR
	c	c. a fluid pipe excessively damaged, or fouling other parts of the vehicle.	MAJOR
5	a	a cracked, damaged or insecure ram anchorage	MAJOR
	b	a cracked or damaged ram body	MAJOR
	c	excessive free play at ram anchorage	MAJOR
	d	components fouling or significantly misaligned.	MAJOR
6		Excessive free play between ball-pin and valve such that separation is likely.	MAJOR
7		Pump insecure or its drive system missing or defective.	MAJOR
8		An inappropriate repair or modification to a power steering component.	MAJOR
9		An electronic power steering Malfunction Indicator Lamp indicates a failure in the system.	MAJOR