Assist Check With Vehicle Parked

1. Check the power steering fluid level and pump belt tension.
2. Start the engine, allow it to idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times to warm up the fluid.





3. Attach a spring scale to the steering wheel. With the engine idling and the vehicle on a clean, dry floor, pull the scale as shown. Rotate the steering wheel more than 90 degree angle by pulling the spring scale. Read the figure on the spring scale while the steering wheel is in motion.
4. The scale should read no more then 24 N (5.3 lbs.). If it reads more, go on to step 5.





5. Stop the engine. Disconnect the hose from the power steering speed sensor, and plug the hose and the sensor fitting as shown.
6. Start the engine, and let it idle.
^ If the reading is now 24 N (5.3 lbs.) or less, connect the sensor hose as it is. If the steering effort is above 24 N (5.3 lbs.), replace the power steering speed sensor.
^ If the reading is still more than 24 N (5.3 lbs.), check the gearbox and pump.