Component Tests and General Diagnostics

Power Steering Pressure Gage Connections:

^ Tools Required:
- J 5176-E Power Steering Pressure Tester
- J 25323-D Power Steering System Analyzer

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Disconnect pressure hose at pump. Use a small container to catch any fluid which might leak.

INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Connect a spare pressure hose to pump.
2. Connect pressure gage J 5176-E to both hoses.
^ The power steering system may be tested using J 5176-E. It can also be tested with available tool J 25323-D Power Steering Analyzer, which will measure flow rate as well as pressure.
3. Open valve on gage.
4. Start the engine. Allow the system to reach operating temperature, then check the fluid level and add fluid if required.
5. When the engine is at normal operating temperature, the pressure reading on the gage (valve open) should be in the 552-862 kPa (80-125 psi) range. If the pressure is more than 1035 kPa (150 psi), check the hoses for restrictions.
6. Fully close the valve three times. (Do not leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds, as the pump could be damaged.) Record the pressure reading each time the valve is closed. The three readings should be within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
a. If the pressure readings are at least 6895 kPa (1000 psi), and are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, the pump is functioning properly.
b. If the pressure readings are high enough, but are not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, the flow control valve in the pump is sticking. Remove the valve; clean it and remove any burrs using a crocus cloth. If the system contains some dirt, flush it. If it is exceptionally dirty, both the pump and steering gear must be completely disassembled, cleaned and reassembled. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR UNIT REPAIR and refer to POWER STEERING PUMP UNIT REPAIR.
7. If the pump checks to specifications, leave the valve open and turn (or have turned) the steering wheel to both stops. Record the highest pressure, and compare with the highest pump pressure recorded. If the pressure at both stops is not the same as the maximum pressure, the steering gear is leaking internally and must be disassembled and repaired.
8. Turn off the engine, then remove the testing gage and the spare hose. Reconnect the pressure hose, check the fluid level or make needed repairs. Refer to CHECKING AND ADDING FLUID in POWER STEERING GEAR AND PUMP ON-VEHICLE SERVICE.