LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Nissan-Datsun >> 2003 >> Sentra Limited >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 2107 (Power Steering System) >> Power Steering Oil Pump >> On-Vehicle Service >> Checking Hydraulic System

Checking Hydraulic System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before starting, check belt tension, driving pulley and tire pressure.

  1. Set Tool. Open shut-off valve. Then bleed air. Refer to "BLEEDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ".

    Tool numbers: KV48103500 (J26357 and J26357-10), KV48102500 (J33914) 

  2. Run engine at idle speed or 1,000 RPM.

    Make sure temperature of fluid in tank rises to 60 - 80°C (140 - 176°F).

    WARNING: Warm up engine with shut-off valve fully opened. If engine is started with shut-off valve closed, fluid pressure in oil pump increases to maximum. This will raise oil temperature abnormally.
    Fig 1: Power Steering Oil Pump Diagram
    G04906885Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  3. Check pressure with steering wheel fully turned to left and right positions with engine idling at 1,000 RPM.
    CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more than 15 seconds.

    Oil pump maximum standard pressure: 8,000 - 8,800 kPa (82 - 90 kg/cm, 1,160 - 1,276 psi) 

    • If pressure reaches maximum operating pressure, system is OK  .
    • If pressure increases above maximum operating pressure, check power steering pump flow control valve  . Refer to "POWER STEERING ".
  4. If power steering pressure is below the maximum operating pressure, slowly close shut-off valve and check pressure again.
    CAUTION: Do not close shut-off valve for more than 15 seconds.
  5. After checking hydraulic system, remove Tool and add fluid as necessary. Then completely bleed air out of system. Refer to "BLEEDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ".