Component Tests and General Diagnostics
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
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 any time a power steering system problem is present 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, adapters, Special Tool's 6972 and 8354, and fittings from adapter kit, Special Tool 6893.
1. 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.
WARNING: To prevent personal injury, safety goggles should be worn at all times when performing any test procedures on the power steering system.
2. 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.
3. Disconnect the power steering fluid pressure hose from the power steering pump.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Perform the following test procedure.
TEST PROCEDURE
1. Check belt tension and adjust as necessary.
2. Completely open valve on Power Steering Analyzer.
3. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through the analyzer and hoses, until the air is completely bled out of the fluid. Shut off engine.
4. Check power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
5. The analyzer gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi). If above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary. The initial pressure should be in the range of 345 - 552 kPa (50 - 80 psi). The flow meter should read between 1.3 and 1.6 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 five seconds as the pump could be damaged.
6. Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pressure is 8240 to 8920 kPa (1195 to 1293 psi.).
- Power steering pump pressure's are above specifications, but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
- Pressure's are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, but below specifications, replace pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to 4 seconds at a time because pump damage will result.
7. 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, then turn the steering wheel to the right until the right stop is met. Record the highest indicated pressure at each position. Compare the recorded readings to the specifications. If the highest output pressures are not the same against either stop, the steering gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.