Steering: Testing and Inspection

When performing system test procedures, power steering pressures can easily exceed 1000 psi. Extreme caution must be exercised when performing these tests to prevent personal injury.

This procedure has been modified by Chevrolet service bulletin No. 90-45-3B and Buick service bulletin No. 89-3-21A.
1. On models w/3.4L and 3800 engines, remove ECM cover/coolant reservoir and lay aside.
2. On models w/2.8L and 3.1L engines, remove fuse block shield and A.I.R. belt, if equipped.
3. On models w/2.8L, 3.1L and 3800 engines, partially remove serpentine belt.
4. On all models, open retaining clip from high pressure pipe.
5. Remove high pressure pipe from pump. Catch any fluid that may drain to avoid fluid seepage into engine and keep high pressure pipe away from belt.
6. On models w/2.8L, 3.1L and 3800 engines, install serpentine belt.

Fig. 1 Power Steering Pressure Gauge Connections. Cutlass Supreme, Grand Prix, Lumina & Regal W/2.3L, 2.8L, 3.1L, 3.4L & 3800 Engines:

7. On all models, install power steering pressure gauge tool No. J-5176-D or equivalent as shown in Fig. 1.
8. Open valve on pressure gauge.
9. Start engine and allow system to reach operating temperature. Stop engine and check fluid level, add if necessary.
10. Start engine and check pressure.
11. On models w/3.4L engine, pressure reading should be under 181 psi. If pressure is above 181 psi, check hoses for restrictions.
12. On models w/2.3, 2.8L and 3.1L engines, pressure reading should be under 150 psi. If pressure is above 150 psi, check hoses for restrictions.
13. On models w/3800 engine, pressure reading should be under 200 psi. If pressure is above 200 psi, check hoses for restrictions.
14. On all models, with engine running, close valve fully three times for not more than five seconds each time. Each reading should show at least 1250 psi.
15. If pressures recorded are high enough and within 50 psi of each other, the pump is operating normally.
16. If pressures recorded are high enough but not within 50 psi of each other, the control valve in the pump is sticking. Remove but do not disassemble control valve and clean it with crocus cloth or a fine hone to remove any burrs.
17. If pressures recorded are less than 1250 psi, replace control valve and recheck. If pressures are still low, inspect pump rotor and vanes.
18. Shutoff engine and remove pressure gauge.
19. On models w/2.8L, 3.1L and 3800 engines, partially remove serpentine belt.
20. On all models, install high pressure pipe to pump and close retaining clip to pipe.
21. On models w/2.8L, 3.1L and 3800 engines, install serpentine belt, fuse block shield and A.I.R. belt, if equipped.
22. On models w/3.4L engine, install ECM cover/coolant reservoir.
23. On all models, bleed system and check fluid level.