Component Tests and General Diagnostics
OVERVIEWFigure 2:
Figure 3:
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 the Power Steering Analyzer Kit, Special Tool 6815 , along with the correct hoses and adapters.
TEST PROCEDURE
WARNING: TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY, SAFETY GOGGLES SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN PERFORMING ANY TEST PROCEDURES ON THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM.
1. Check power steering pump drive belt tension and adjust as necessary.
2. Disconnect the high pressure power steering fluid hose at the discharge fitting of the power steering pump.
3. Connect hoses, Special tool 6713, from the 6815 analyzer kit, and Special Tool 6905, from the 6893 adapter kit, to the Power Steering Flow/Pressure Analyzer, Special Tool 6815, as shown.
4. Connect adapter, Special Tool 6865 , to hose 6713, mounted on the flow/pressure analyzer. Then, connect adapter, Special Tool 6826 , to hose 6905, mounted on the flow/pressure analyzer.
5. Connect the adapter, Special Tool 6865, leading to the inlet port of the flow/pressure analyzer, to the discharge fitting on the power steering pump. Connect the vehicle's pressure hose which was removed from the power steering pump, to the adapter, Special Tool 6826, leading from outlet port of the flow/ pressure analyzer, Special Tool 6815. The Analyzer, Special Tool 6815, is to be installed in series with the power steering pressure hose, between the steering pump and the steering gear. It must also be installed so the fluid flows in the correct direction through the analyzer.
6. Completely open the valve on the analyzer before starting the engine.
7. Start the engine and let it idle long enough to circulate the power steering fluid through the analyzer and remove all the air out of the fluid. Shut off the engine and let the fluid level stabilize in the reservoir.
8. Check the fluid level in the power steering pump reservoir. Add fluid as necessary to obtain the proper level.
9. Restart the engine. The analyzer gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi). If not, 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 power steering pump could be damaged.
10. Close the analyzer 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 (1200 to 1300 psi.).
- If power steering pump pressure's are above specifications, but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
- If power steering pump pressure's are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, but below specifications, replace pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the power steering pump to operate against the steering stops for more than 5 seconds at a time, power steering pump damage will result.
11. Fully open the valve on the analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to extreme left until the wheel stops, then reverse the motion until the wheel stops in the extreme right position. Record the highest indicated pressure at each position. Compare the readings to specifications. If the highest output pressures are not the same against either stop, the steering gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.