General
The complaint is diagnosed and processed in up to four steps:
1. Obtain information and an exact description of the complaint from the customer.
2. Perform general checking and assessment of the vehicle.
3. Specific checks must be performed, depending on the complaint.
4. Process possible causes/remedies (component-related).
Customer information on noises in steering system:
Description of noises:
Have the customer demonstrate or precisely describe the noises and then try to reproduce these noises.
In which steering state/during which steering operation does the noise occur and how is it perceived?
Does the noise occur when stationary/parking or when driving (which driving conditions, speed, road surface condition)?
Is the noise continuous or intermittent? Does it occur when at operating temperature or when cold?
If the noise cannot be reproduced, discuss further procedures with the customer.
Leakage in steering system:
Which complaints have been voiced by the customer?
How was oil loss noticed? Is oil visible underneath the vehicle?
Does a noise or sluggishness also occur?
Is the oil leak gradual or sudden?
Vibrations in steering system:
In which steering state/during which steering operation is the vibration present?
When can the vibrations be felt?
When the vehicle is stationary/parked or when driving (which driving situations, at what speed)?
Are the vibrations continuous or intermittent? Do they occur when cold or when at operating temperature?
Do the vibrations change with the engine speed?
Play in steering system:
In which steering state/during which steering operation does the steering play occur and how is it perceived? When the vehicle is stationary/parked or when driving (which driving situations, at what speed)?
Can noises also be heard at the same time?
Steering sluggish:
For which steering condition/process is the sluggishness complained of? Around the center position or more towards the limit stop? When changing the steering direction or when turning the steering wheel back to the straight-ahead position? Description of the driving maneuver.
When the vehicle is stationary/parked or when driving (driving situations, speed)?
Is the sluggishness dependent on the operating temperature (possibly after a cold start or when warm)?
Is the sluggishness dependent on the steering speed/turning speed at the steering wheel?
Has the steering assist failed completely or is the steering sluggish despite hydraulic steering assistance (failure of parameter function)?
Does the sluggishness occur at times or permanently?
Does the sluggishness differ left/right?