23 · Diagnostics

Steering hard / (steering in both directions)

Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: 159 Factory Service Manual
Year: 2005–2011
Section: Steering – vehicle behaviour › Steering hard / (steering in both directions)

‹ Prev Excessive rolling/pitching - at rear Next › Steering hard / (in one direction only)

Fault diagnosisSteering hard / (steering in both directions)

STEERING HARD / (STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS)

When the steering is operated normally there is a hardening of the steering action to both the left and the right

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Carry out a test steering fully in various conditions to check the actual onset of the hardening in both directions. Visually inspect the power assisted steering fluid level in the reservoir.	Move on to Step 1	1. Hardening in one direction only	1. Proceed as instructed in the See table H011 STEERING HARD / (IN ONE DIRECTION ONLY)
		Move on to Step 1	2. Power assisted steering fluid level too low.	2. Top up to the correct level, if there are leaks, continue as instructed in the See table X030 POWER ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM FLUID LEAKS
1	CHECK ON TYPE OF PROBLEM	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Carry out a test steering fully in various conditions: check the way in which the problem starts.	Continuous and constant hardening: move on to Step 2	1. Hardening only during idling.	1. Check for constrictions in the system flexible and rigid pipes. If necessary, replace the damaged parts, replacing all the seals, see Assembly Op. 4130B POWER STEERING HYDRAULIC SYTEM
		Continuous and constant hardening: move on to Step 2	2. Hardening in end of travel position.	2. Restore the correct vehicle geometry, see Assembly Op. 4450A WHEEL GEOMETRY
2	STEERING RODS AND ARMS CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check the condition of the steering rods and arms.	Move on to Step 3	1. Rods damaged or worn.	1. Replace the rods Op. 4110B10 STEERING LINKS - R+R ON VEHICLE - CHECK TOE-IN/TOE-OUT SEPARATELY
	Check the condition of the steering rods and arms.	Move on to Step 3	2. Arms damaged or worn.	2. Replace the steering box Op. 4120A10 STEERING BOX - R+R - CHECK WHEEL TOE-IN IF NECESSARY SEPARATELY
3	CHECK STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check the condition of the steering column support bearings and that they are working properly.	Move on to Step 4	Bearings worn or damaged	Restore the efficiency of the steering column. If necessary, replace the bearings involved Op. 4110A30 SUPPORT WITH STEERING CONTROL SHAFTS - R+R
4	RACK AND PINION CLEARANCE CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check the rack and pinion clearance with the steering column detached and the wheels straight.	Move on to Step 5	Rack and pinion clearance too large	Replace the steering box Op. 4120A10
5	RACK CLEARANCE AND STEERING BOX FASTENINGS CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check the bushes-rack radial clearance. Check that the steering box fastening is correct.	Move on to Step 6	1. Rack-bushes clearance too large.	1. Replace the steering box Op. 4120A10
		Move on to Step 6	2. Steering box fastening not correct.	2. Restore correct fastenings.
6	CHECK ON CORRECT TENSION OF DRIVE BELT AND CORRECT OPERATION OF POWER ASSISTED STEERING PUMP	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Check that the tension of the power assisted steering pump drive belt is correct and that it is not worn. Also check that the power assisted steering pump is working properly.	Move on to Step 7	1. Belt not correctly tensioned.	1. Restore correct belt tension Op. 1092C12 POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT - ADJUST TENSION
			2. Belt worn.	2. Replace the belt Op. 1092C11 POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT - R.R. FOR VERSIONS WITH AIR CONDITIONER
			3. Power assisted steering pump malfunction.	3. Replace the power assisted steering pump Op. 4130B24 POWER STEERING PUMP R R FOR VERSIONS WITH AIR CONDITIONER
7	STEERING WHEEL RETURN CHECK	ALL OK	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED	ACTION
	Refit all the components removed. Test the vehicle and check that the steering wheel returns correctly.	End of diagnosis	Poor steering wheel return.	Restore the correct front wheel geometry Op. 4450A10 FRONT WHEEL GEOMETRY - CHECK USING OPTICAL EQUIPMENT - INCLUDES ADJUSTMENT IF NECESSARY

‹ Prev Excessive rolling/pitching - at rear Next › Steering hard / (in one direction only)

Parts & tools for this job Staging For 2005 Alfa Romeo 159

Links open Amazon search results in a new tab. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.