How to Troubleshoot the Steering System in a Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai introduced its mid-sized Sonata Sedan to follow up the success of the Excel. The original featured some Mitsubishi engineering and has seen four generations of redesign since its first release. You can avoid expensive repairs to your Sonata's steering system if you begin with some basic troubleshooting.

Things You'll Need

• Dexron II transmission fluid

Instructions

1. Start troubleshooting with the least expensive and most common causes of steering problems: tires, fluid and lubrication. These can cause a number of problems that seem to stem from more serious breakdowns.

2. Rotate and balance your tires on a regular basis. Make sure they remain in good condition and keep the pressure even. Make sure your wheels are aligned. Many vibrations and steering pulls can be traced to bad or out-of-balance tires or poor front-end alignment.

3. Add Dexron II transmission fluid whenever the fluid is low (this brand recommendation may change with newer models). Keep the fluid clean and free of air. Make sure the steering belt is tight and that hoses are tight and free from leaks. If your steering wheel seems harder and harder to steer, this is the first place you should look.

4. Service the steering gear rack, linkage and every 30, 000 miles (7500 under severe driving conditions). Keep the components lubricated. Poorly lubricated linkage can make steering more difficult; worn linkage or excessive friction can make the steering feel loose and harder to control.

5. Look at the power steering pump if you continue to experience hard steering. The pump may be damaged or may not be circulating fluid with enough pressure.

6. Check the steering rack for continued steering difficulty. A leaking rack or rack mounts can cause the wheel to slip. A bad steering rack can make the wheel hard to steer.

7. Expand you search to other components once the steering checks out. You may have bad brakes, bad springs, bad wheel bearings, shocks or joints.