For 1990-2009 cars

Complaint/Condition | Possible Causes | Corrections
--- | --- | ---
Hard Steering | Front tires improperly inflated | Inflate tires correctly.
Improperly adjusted, improperly lubricated, or damaged steering gear. | Adjust, lubricate (check for damaged boots), or replace steering gear.
Worn or binding lower control arm ball studs. | Replace lower control arms.
Worn or binding inner or outer tie rod ends. | Replace inner or outer tie rod ends.
Worn or binding upper strut mounts. | Replace mounts.
Worn or binding intermediate steering shaft joints. | Replace intermediate steering shaft.
Binding within steering column or intermediate steering shaft boot. | Correct condition.
Poor return of steering wheel to center | Front tires improperly inflated. | Inflate tires correctly.
Improperly adjusted, lubricated, or damaged steering gear. | Adjust, lubricate (check for damaged boots), or replace steering gear.
Worn or binding lower control arm ball studs. | Replace lower control arms.
Worn or binding inner or outer tie rod ends. | Replace inner or outer tie rod ends.
Worn or binding upper strut mounts. | Replace mounts.
Worn or binding intermediate steering shaft joints. | Replace intermediate steering shaft.
Binding within steering column or intermediate steering shaft boot. | Correct condition.
Incorrect front wheel caster. | Perform alignment.
Excessive free play in steering | Wheel bearings worn. | Replace wheel bearings.
Steering gear mounting bolts loose. | Tighten bolts.
Steering gear out of adjustment or worn. | Adjust or replace steering gear.
Intermediate steering shaft joints worn. | Replace intermediate steering shaft.
Inner or outer steering tie rods worn. | Replace tie rods.
Lower control arm ball studs worn. | Replace lower control arms.
Front stabilizer shaft bushings worn. | Replace bushings.
Rattle and/or clunking noise in steering | Inner or outer tie rod ends worn. | Replace tie rod ends.
Steering gear out of adjustment or worn. | Adjust or replace steering gear.
Worn or loose steering gear right-hand bushing. | Repair or replace steering gear.
Intermediate steering shaft joints worn. | Replace intermediate steering shaft.
Steering gear mounting bolts loose. | Tighten bolts.
Worn wheel bearings. | Replace wheel bearings.