Power Steering System Test Procedure

The Power Steering System Test Procedure will test the operation of the hydraulic power steering, test the operation of the power steering pump and power steering gear and identify restrictions in the system.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Place a drain pan under the vehicle in order to catch any power steering fluid. Disconnect the power steering pressure pipe/hose from the power steering pump or the power steering gear as necessary. Install the Power Steering System Analyzer (J-44721) between the power steering pump and the power steering gear on the pressure side. Adapters may be required. Inspect and add only approved power steering fluid as necessary in order to ensure that the power steering fluid is at the proper level and not contaminated. If fluid is at the proper level and free from contamination, go to step  3 . If fluid is not as specified, go to next step.
2. Fill or drain and refill the fluid as necessary. Go to next step.
NOTE: DO NOT hold the steering wheel in the full turn position longer than 5 seconds, as damage to the steering pump may result.
3. Fully open the power steering system analyzer valve. Start the engine. Turn the steering wheel and briefly hold the steering wheel against the steering stop in order to release any trapped air from the system. Inspect and ensure that all of the power steering pipe/hose connections are not leaking. Observe the pressure reading. If pressure is greater than 230 psi (1585 kPa), go to next step. If pressure is not greater than specified amount, go to step  5 .
CAUTION: A restriction may be present in the power steering system. Turn off the engine immediately.
4. Locate and repair the restriction. After completing repair, go to step  13 .
5. Inspect and add only approved power steering fluid as necessary in order to ensure that the power steering fluid is at the proper level. Allow the engine to run until the engine reaches full operating temperature. Record the pressure reading and flow reading (A). Partially close the power steering system analyzer valve until the system pressure reaches the specified value, then record the flow reading. Subtract flow reading B from flow reading A. If flow decrease is greater than 4 qts (3.8L) per minute, go to step  11 . If flow decrease is not as specified, go to next step.
NOTE: DO NOT leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds, or the pump could be damaged internally.
6. Fully close then open the power steering system analyzer valve 3 times. Record all of the high pressure readings. See PRESSURE RELIEF SPECIFICATIONS  . Are the three pressure readings within specifications? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  13 .
7. If the three high pressure readings are within 50 psi (245 kPa) of each other, go to next step. If 3 high pressure readings are not within 50 psi (245 kPa) of each other, go to step  12 .
8. Increase the engine speed to approximately 1500 RPM. Record the flow reading. If actual flow reading is within specification, go to next step. If actual flow reading is not within specification, go to step  11 .
9. If the difference between the actual flow reading and the maximum flow specification is more than 4 qts (3.8 L) per minute, go to step  14 . If actual flow reading is not as specified, go to next step.
NOTE: DO NOT hold the steering wheel in the full turn position longer than 5 seconds, as damage to the steering pump may result.
10. Turn the steering wheel from steering stop to steering stop and record the FLOW readings at each stop. If the flow is LOWER than 4 qts (3.8 L) per minute, go to step . If flow is not as specified, go to step  15 . If flow is as specified, go to step  17 .
11. Replace the power steering pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repair, go to step  16 .
12. Remove the power steering pump flow control valve. Inspect the flow control valve. If any burrs or scratches are noticed on the flow control valve, replace the flow control valve. Do NOT attempt to clean the flow control valve. Inspect the flow control valve bore. If any burrs or scratches are present in the control valve bore, replace the power steering pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to step  16 .
13. Replace the power steering pump flow control valve. See PUMP FLOW CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Did you complete the replacement? If yes, go to step  16 .
14. Remove the power steering pump flow control valve and inspect for any wear or damage. Do NOT disassemble the flow control valve. If the flow control valve is worn damaged, replace the flow control valve. See PUMP FLOW CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Did you complete the repair? If yes, go to step  16 .
15. The power steering gear is leaking across the piston or by-passing the valve circuit. Replace the power steering gear. See RACK & PINION ASSEMBLY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Did you complete the replacement? If yes, go to next step.
16. Test the power steering system for the original condition. Does the original condition still exist? if yes, go to step  1 .
17. Disconnect and remove the power steering system analyzer from the vehicle. Connect the vehicle power steering pipes/hoses. Bleed the power steering system and add fluid as necessary. Did you complete the repair? If yes, system is okay.