Power Steering System Test Procedure

- Tools Required
- J5176-E Power Steering Pressure Tester
- J5176-92 Pressure Tester Adapter
- J25323-D Power Steering System Analyzer
- J29525 Steering Analyzer Adapter (18 mm)
If you suspect a hydraulic or mechanical malfunction of one of the following components, perform this procedure in order to determine the cause:
- The power steering pump
- The power steering gear

1. Place a drain pan under the reservoir.
2. Disconnect the outlet hose at the reservoir.
3. Connect a spare pressure hose to the reservoir.

Important: Test the power steering system using the J5176-E Testing the power steering system with the J25323-D will also measure the flow rate as well as the pressure.

4. Connect the J5176-E and the J5176-92 or J25323-D and J29525 to the following hoses:
- The outlet hose
- The spare pressure hose

5. Open the valve on the J5176-E or J25323-D.
6. Start the engine and allow to reach a normal operating temperature.
7. Ensure that the engine is at idle and that the valve on the J5176-E or J25323-D is open.
8. Read the pressure reading.

Important: The pressure should be no more than 1,050 kPa (150 psi).

9. If the pressure is more than 1,050 kPa (150 psi), perform the following steps:
- Inspect the hoses for restrictions.
- Inspect the popper valve on the steering gear for the proper installation.

Notice: Do not leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds, or the pump could be damaged internally.

10. Fully close the valve on the J5176-E or J25323-D three times. Record the pressure readings each time.
The power steering pump is functioning properly when the pressure readings fall within the following range:
- Each reading is at least 6,895 kPa (1,300 psi).
- The 3 readings are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.

11. The power steering pump control valve is sticking if the following conditions exist:
- The pressure readings are at least 6,895 kPa (1,300 psi).
- The pressure readings are not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.

12. If the pressure readings indicate that there is a sticking flow control valve, perform the following steps:
12.1. Remove the flow control valve.
12.2. Clean the flow control valve. Remove any burrs using a crocus cloth of fine hone.
12.3. Flush the system if the system contains any contamination.

13. If the pressure readings are less than 6,895 kPa (1,300 psi), complete the following steps:
13.1. Replace the flow control valve.
13.2. Retest the flow control valve.
13.3. If the pressure is still below 6,895 kPa (1,300 psi), replace the following components:
- The rotor
- The vanes

14. If the pressure readings are within specifications, perform the following procedure:
14.1. With the flow control valve open, have an assistant turn the steering wheel to both sides.
14.2. Record the highest pressures.
14.3. Compare the pressure with the highest pump pressures that you recorded earlier.
15. If the pressure at both stops is not the same as the maximum pressure previously recorded, then the steering gear is leaking internally. Repair the steering gear if the steering gear is leaking internally.
16. Turn off the engine.
17. Remove the J5176-E and J5176-92 or J25323-D and J29525.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

18. Connect the outlet hose to the remote reservoir.
- Tighten the hydraulic pump hose fitting nut to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.).
19. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding Power Steering System.