Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

POWER STEERING DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING





Visual Inspection Chart

Power Steering

Note:
^ The 3 areas that should be inspected for possible contamination are the power steering reservoir filter, flow control and pressure relief valve in the pump, and the check valve in the inlet port on the power steering gear (if equipped).

1. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
^ Aerated or foamy: Purge the power steering system.
^ Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering.
2. External Leak Check
1 With the ignition switch at OFF, wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose, power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler and hose assembly and steering gear.
2 With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times. Check for leaks. Repair as necessary if leaks are observed.
^ If a fluid leak from the steering line-to-steering gear clamp plate is evident.

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 could occur.

3. Turning Effort Check
1 Perform Turning Effort Test.
4. Inspect the power steering pressure and return hoses, fittings and O-rings for leaks.
^ If a leak is detected between at a power steering pressure or return hose, install a new hose.
^ If a leak is detected between a fitting nut, seal the fitting nut using a Teflon joint seal.
^ If a leak is detected at a fitting or clamp plate, tighten to specification. If leak is still evident, visually inspect the fittings, or clamp plate, O-rings, and Teflon seals. Install new as necessary.
^ If a leak is detected at the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir.
^ If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is fully installed on the fitting and that the hose clamp is correctly positioned. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp.
^ If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, tighten the screw clamp. If the leak remains, inspect the tube end and install a new hose.
^ If a leak is detected at the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump.

Note:
^ To inspect for leaks it may be necessary to remove the squeeze-type clamp from the steering gear boots.

5. Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. If a leak is detected at the power steering gear, install a new power steering gear.





6. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage; see the chart.
7. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported malfunction is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
8. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and proceed to the symptom chart.