A customer says that the steering wheel turns more turns to the left than the right. Which of the following is the LEAST LIKELY cause?

When evaluating the scenario where a customer reports that the steering wheel turns more to the left than the right, it's essential to consider the mechanics of the steering system. A faulty power steering pump is the least likely cause of this issue because a malfunctioning pump would generally lead to problems such as difficulty in steering or a lack of assist, but it would not typically result in an asymmetrical turning ratio.

The power steering pump’s role is to provide hydraulic pressure to assist in steering. If the pump were defective, it would not cause an imbalance in the number of turns required to steer left versus right; rather, it would affect the overall ease of steering operation. On the other hand, issues like an incorrectly timed steering gear, a bent pitman arm, or a bent tie rod could all directly cause an uneven steering response by altering the geometry or relationship of components in the steering system, leading to the described condition.

Thus, while other mechanical failures can create the problem of unequal steering effort between left and right turns, a faulty power steering pump is unlikely to directly cause this specific symptom, making it the least likely cause in this situation.