With Conventional Suspension
Steering Linkage1. NOTE: Excessive vertical motion of the studs relative to the sockets may indicate excessive wear.
With the parking brake applied, perform the following:
- Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for relative motion of the studs in the steering linkage ball sockets.
- Watch for loose steering gear mounting.
2. Another method is to raise the front wheels off the ground, grasp the wheel at the front and rear and watch for excessive play or binding in the joints while trying to steer the wheels.
3. Replace or tighten any worn, damaged, or loose tie rods, tie rod ends, linkages or components.
Pump Flow and Pressure Test
WARNING: Do not touch the flowmeter during the test procedure, or severe burns and serious injury may occur.
1. CAUTION: Make sure that the connection point will not interfere with any of the engine accessory drive components or drive belts.
Install the Power Steering Analyzer at the high pressure port of the power steering pump. Make sure the Power Steering Analyzer gate valve is fully open.
- On some vehicles, the power steering pump high pressure port is inaccessible and the Power Steering Analyzer should then be installed either at the steering gear or at a point in the high pressure line between the power steering pump and the steering gear.
2. Place a Dial Thermometer in the power steering oil reservoir.
3. Check the power steering fluid level. If necessary, add power steering fluid.
- Use Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON equivalent.
4. Install a digital tachometer.
5. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
Start the engine. Place the transmission in neutral. Set the parking brake. Raise the power steering fluid temperature to 74 - 80° C (165 -175 ° F) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
6. Set the engine speed to 1500 rpm. Record the flow rate and pressure readings.
- If the flow rate is below the flow rate specification, the power steering pump may require replacement. Continue with the test procedure.
- If the pressure reading is above the maximum pressure specification, then check power steering hoses for kinks and restrictions.
7. Partially close the gate valve to obtain 750 psi. Set the engine speed at idle. Record the flow rate.
- If the flow is less than the specified flow rate, then replace the power steering pump.
8. CAUTION: Do not allow the gate valve to remain closed for more than 5 seconds.
Completely close and partially open the gate valve 3 times. Record the pressure relief valve actuation pressure reading.
- If the pressure does not meet the relief pressure specification, then replace the power steering pump.
9. Set engine speed to 1500 rpm. Record the flow rate.
- If the flow rate varies more than 3.785 liters/minute (1 gallon/minute) from the initial flow rate reading, then replace the power steering pump.
10. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
Set the engine speed at idle. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel to the left and right stops. Record flow rate and pressure readings at the stops.
- The pressure reading at both stops should be nearly the same as the maximum pump relief pressure.
- The flow rate should drop below 1.9 liters/minute (0.5 gallons/minute).
- If the pressure does not reach the maximum pump relief pressure or the flow rate does not drop below the specified value, excessive internal leakage is occurring. Repair or replace the steering gear as necessary.
11. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly while watching the pressure gauge.
- The pressure reading should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap back as the steering wheel is released.
- If the pressure returns slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking or the steering column is binding. Check the steering column and linkages before servicing the steering gear.
Steering Gear Valve
1. With the vehicle in motion, place the transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the engine OFF.
- If the vehicle does not pull with the engine OFF, repair or replace the steering gear.
2. If the vehicle pulls with the engine OFF, cross-switch the front wheels.
- If the vehicle pulls to the opposite side, cross-switch the front and rear wheels on the same side.
3. If the vehicle pull direction does not change, check the front suspension components, wheel alignment and frame alignment.