Steering: Service and Repair

Power Steering Flow/Pressure Tester And Fittings:

POWER STEERING PUMP 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 pressure and flow test is performed using Pressure/Flow Tester, Special Tool 6815 and fittings from adapter kit, Special Tool 6893, or equivalents.

When testing the power steering system on this vehicle, the following hoses and adapter fittings need to be installed on Pressure/Flow Tester, Special Tool 6815, or equivalent:
- Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844, or Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6713, or equivalents.
- Connect the other end of hose 6713 to Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6905, or equivalents.
- Install the other end of hose 6905 to the inlet port (gauge end) of the Pressure/Flow Tester, Special Tool 6815, or equivalents.
- Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6826, on Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959, or equivalents.
- Install the other end of hose 6959 to the outlet port (valve end) of the Pressure/Flow Tester, Special Tool 6815, or equivalents.

The following procedure is to be used to test the operation of the power steering system on the vehicle.
1. Check belt tension and adjust as necessary.
2. Disconnect the power steering fluid pressure hose from the power steering pump.

Pressure Hose Connection To Power Steering Pump:

3. Connect Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 6844, attached to tester hose from inlet (gauge end) of Flow/Pressure Tester, Special Tool 6815, or equivalents, to the pressure fitting on the power steering pump.

Special Tool 6815 Connected To Power Steering Pump:

4. 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 Pressure/Flow Tester, Special Tool 6815, or equivalents.
5. Completely open valve on Special Tool 6815, or equivalents.
6. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through flow/pressure test and get air out of fluid. Then shut off engine.
7. Check power steering fluid level, and add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
8. 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).

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.

9. 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 8275 to 8975 kPa (1250 to 1350 psi.).
- Power steering pump pressures above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
- Pressures 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.

10. Open the valve on the power steering pump flow pressure tester. Turn the steering wheel to the extreme left and right positions until it is against the stops in the steering gear. 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.