FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

1. Inspect and adjust power steering pump drive belt tension as required, then disconnect fluid pressure hose at power steering pump.

Fig.4 Pressure Gauge Tool Connections:





2. Connect pressure gauge tool No. 6815, or equivalent, to both hoses using suitable adapter fittings.
3. Connect spare pressure hose to power steering pump pressure hose banjo fitting, then fully open pressure gauge tool valve.
4. Start engine and allow it to idle until power steering fluid has circulated through flow with pressure test and air has been evacuated from fluid, then stop engine.
5. Inspect and add fluid as required, then start engine and observe pressure gauge. Reading should be below 125 psi. If not, inspect hoses for crimping or other restrictions and repair as necessary.
6. Observe pressure gauge and flow meter. Initial pressure reading should be as specified under "Power Steering Pressure Specifications", and flow meter should indicate 1.3-1.9 gallons per minute.
7. Fully close pressure gauge valve three times for no longer than five seconds per closure, recording highest pressure indicated each time. Readings must be within specifications and within 50 psi of one another. If valve remains closed for more than five seconds, pump damage is likely to occur.
8. If readings are not as indicated, replace power steering pump.
9. Open test valve and rotate steering wheel from stop to stop, recording highest pressure indicated at each position. Do not hold wheel against either stop for more than five seconds, or pump may be damaged.
10. If highest output pressures recorded for lefthand and righthand stop differ significantly, steering gear is leaking internally and should be replaced.