Component Tests and General Diagnostics
ALL ENGINES
The following procedure is to be used to test the operation of the power steering system on this vehicle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power steering pump along with the maximum relief pressure. This test is to be performed to determine if the power steering pump or power steering gear is not functioning properly. The following flow and pressure test is performed using the Power Steering Analyzer Kit, Special Tool 6815, hoses, Special Tools 6905 and 6959, and fittings from adapter kit, Special Tool 6893.
Assemble hoses on Power Steering Analyzer, Special Tool 6815, as shown. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6905 (in 6893 kit), in the inlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6713 (in 6815 kit) on Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6905. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959, in the outlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer.
Install the following adapters from Adapter Set, Special Tool 6893, on the analyzer hose ends: Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844, on Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6713. Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6826, on Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959.
CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, safety goggles should be worn at all times when performing any test procedures on the power steering pump or power steering gear.
The following procedure is to be used to test the operation of the power steering system on the vehicle.
1. Check belt tension and adjust as necessary.
2. Disconnect the power steering fluid pressure hose from the power steering pump.
3. Connect Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844, attached to pressure hose from inlet (gauge end) of Power Steering Analyzer to the pressure fitting on the power steering pump.
4. Connect vehicle power steering fluid pressure hose to Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6826, which should be already installed in the outlet hose (valve end) of Power Steering Analyzer.
NOTE: During the next few steps, do not steer vehicle as air will be forced into the steering gear.
5. Completely open valve on Power Steering Analyzer.
6. Start engine and let idle just long enough to circulate power steering fluid through the analyzer and hoses. Shut off engine.
7. Check power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle until the air is out of the fluid.
8. Gauge should read below 300 psi (2068 kPa). If above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary. The initial pressure should be in the range of 100 - 275 psi (689 - 1896 kPa) depending on fluid temperature. The flow meter should read above 1.5 GPM.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed for more than four seconds as the pump could be damaged.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum pressure for 2.4L engines is 1,200 - 1,350 psi (8,274 - 9,308 kPa). Power steering pump maximum pressure for all other engines is 1,400 - 1,500 psi (9,653 -10,342 kPa).
9. Close analyzer valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be within specifications. If any of the three power steering pump pressures are above or below specifications, replace pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the steering to operate against the stops for more than 4 seconds at a time because pump damage can result.
10. Once the pump has been verified as working correctly, completely open the valve on the Power Steering Analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to the extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is met. Hold it there for 2-4 seconds, then release it. Now turn the steering wheel to the right until the right stop is met. Hold it there for 2-4 seconds, then release it. Record the stabilized pressure at each position. Compare the recorded readings to the specifications. If the output pressures are not within 100 psi (689 kPa) of one another against either stop or are below specifications, the steering gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.