LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Ford >> 1996 >> Aerostar Van Window >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 250 (Disc Brake System & Drum Brake System) >> Testing >> Hydro-Boost >> Hydraulic Pressure Tests

Hydraulic Pressure Tests

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 1997 Ford Pickup, 1997 Ford F-Super Duty, 1997 Ford Cab & Chassis, 1996 Ford Pickup, and 1996 Ford F-Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Check for hydraulic leaks in system. Check power steering pump does not exhibit sustained failure or internal damage that may contaminate fluid in system. If there is a possibility of burned fluid or metal particles in fluid, brake system should be purged before connecting power steering analyzer.
  2. Connect Power Steering System Analyzer (014-00230). Follow installation procedure supplied with analyzer. Fully open shutoff valve, start engine and purge air from brake system by applying brakes several times. Shut off engine and check connections for leaks.
  3. Check for proper fluid level at reservoir and add or remove fluid as required. Recheck for air in system by restarting engine, partially close shutoff valve and view pressure gauge. If gauge needle vibration is excessive, too much air remains in system. Install thermometer in reservoir and connect tachometer to engine.
  4. Fully open analyzer shutoff valve. Start engine and run at 2000 RPM. When fluid temperature reaches 130°F (55°C), record flow and pressure. If flow is less than 3.1 Gal/Min (11.7 L/Min), check to see if correct pump is installed. If correct pump is installed, continue testing. If pressure exceeds 25 psi (172 kPa), check lines for kinks or obstructions.
  5. Check pump for minimum efficiency flow. Decrease engine speed to 750-850 RPM. Slowly close shutoff valve to build pressure to 1200 psi (8400 kPa). Record flow with temperature at least 130°F (55°C). If flow is less than 1.3 Gal/Min (5 L/Min), check if correct pump is installed. Pump may require repair or replacement, especially if flow in step 4) was also less than value indicated.
    CAUTION: DO NOT hold valve closed for more than 5 seconds. Damage to pump will result.
  6. Check pump for pressure relief valve operation. Run engine at 750-850 RPM. Completely close and partially open shutoff valve 3 times. Read pressure when valve is fully closed. If pressure is less than 1230 psi (8480 kPa), or greater than 1350 psi (9307 kPa), clean or replace pressure relief valve. If pressure is between 1230-1350 psi, pump is operating normally and other areas should be investigated.