Power Steering Assist Check
Assist Check With Car Parked1. Check the power steering fluid level and pump belt tension.
2. Start the engine, allow to idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times to warm up the fluid.
3. Attach a spring scale to the steering wheel. With the engine idling and the car on a clean, dry floor, pull the scale as shown and read it as soon as the tires begin to turn.
The scale should read no more than 18 N (1.8 kg, 4 lb).
If it reads more, go on step 4.
4. Stop the engine. Disconnect the hose from the speed sensor and plug the hose and the sensor fitting as shown.
5. Start the engine and let it idle.
^ If the reading is now 18 N (11.8 kg, 4 lbs) or less, replace the speed sensor.
^ If the reading is still more than 18 N (1.8 kg, 4 lbs), check the gearbox and pump.
Assist Check At Road Speed
1. Check the power steering fluid level and pump belt tension.
2. Start the engine, let it warm up to normal temperature, and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a few times to warm up the fluid.
3. Stop the engine. To simulate speeds above 50 km/h (30 mph), disconnect the hoses from the speed sensor and connect them to the Bypass Tube.
4. Attach the spring-scale to the steering wheel.
With the engine idling and the car on a clean, dry floor, pull the scale as shown and read it as soon as the tires begin to turn.
^ If the scale reads a normal 50 N (5.0 kg, 11 lbs), or more, the assist at high speeds is being caused by reduced speed sensor output. Replace the sensor.
^ If the scale reads less than 50 N (5.0 kg, 11 lbs), the sensor is OK, and the problem is in the sensor feed line, the pump, or the control unit. See if the feed line is pinched or bent then check pump.