Steering: Testing and Inspection

Use extreme caution when performing the following procedures. These system operate at or above 1000 psi. Only use the test equipment that is suggested by the manufacturer.

Do Not hold the steering wheel against the stopper for more than five seconds at a time. Doing so will result in very high fluid temperatures and inaccurate liquid pressure measurements.

1. Place the vehicle on a chassis dynamometer.
2. With the engine Off, disconnect the pump discharge side hose, then immediately connect Oil Pressure Gauge Tester tool No. J-29877-A and Stop Valve between discharge hose and power steering pump.
3. Completely open the stop valve and bleed the system of air.
4. Start the engine, then operate at idle speed.
5. Check the hoses for cracks or crushing, then the pump and the hoses for oil leakage.
6. Close the stop valve halfway, then wait until the system pressure reaches 285 psi.
7. Raise the engine speed and ensure there is no further rise in system oil pressure.
8. Return the engine speed to idle, allowing the oil temperature to reach 122-140°F.
9. Increase engine speed to 1500 RPM, then rotate the steering wheel to the right until it hits the stopper.
10. Measure the liquid pressure with the steering wheel held in this position. The liquid pressure should be about 996 psi.
11. Rotate the steering wheel fully to the left until it hits the stopper, then measure the liquid pressure. The pressure reading should be the same when the steering wheel is turned either to the left or right. If the liquid pressure measurement is less that 996 psi, it will be necessary to repeat Steps 4, 5 and 6. Do not hold the steering wheel against the stopper for more than five seconds at a time. Doing so will result in very high fluid temperatures and inaccurate liquid pressure measurements.
12. Place the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, then set the engine speed to run at 1500 RPM.
13. Fully close the stop valve, then measure the fluid pressure. If pressure reading is less than 995 psi, the pump must be replaced. Fully closing the stop valve will cause the fluid temperature to rise rapidly. This will result in inaccurate fluid pressure readings. Perform this operation within 10 seconds to ensure an accurate indication.
14. Fully open the stop valve and raise the engine speed. Check to see that the liquid temperature does not rise when this is done.
15. Close the stop valve by two thirds, then wait until the liquid pressure rises to 569 psi.
16. Apply power to the drive wheels, then maintain speed approximately 62 mph. Ensure liquid pressure drops at this point.
17. Stop the engine, then disconnect pressure gauge and stop valve.
18. Bleed air from power steering system by turning the steering wheel from lock to lock several times. Add fluid as necessary. Repeating the bleeding operation will increase oil temperature. If temperature does increase, stop engine and wait approximately 10 minutes or longer.