Procedure

1. Loosen power steering hose bracket at rear of engine.
2. Disconnect the power steering pressure hose from the power steering pump and connect it into the appropriate hose adapter of the Rotunda Power Steering System Analyzer 014-00207 or equivalent.
3. Thread the other adapter of the analyzer into the power steering pump.
4. Connect the analyzer hoses to the adapters. Tighten both connections to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) maximum.
5. Add power steering fluid to the system. START the engine and run it for approximately two minutes at idle.
6. Record the following:
a. Flow, liters/minute (gallons/minute) at 78° +/- 2° C (172° +/- 5° F).
b. Pressure, kPa (psi) at 78° +/- 2° C (172° +/- 5° F) at idle with the gate valve fully open.
1. If flow is below 5.7 liters/min. (1.5 gallons/minute), the power steering pump may require replacement. However, at this point, continue the diagnosis. Check for flow and relief pressure.
2. If pressure is above 1034 kPa (150 psi) check hoses for restrictions.
7. Partially close the gate valve to build up 5100 kPa (740 psi). Observe and record flow. Flow should be liters/minute (gallons/minute) at 78° +/- 2° C (172° +/- 5° F). If flow drops below 3.6 liters/minute (0.95 gallons/minute), replace power steering pump.
8. Completely close and partially open the gate valve three times. (Do not allow the valve to remain closed for more than five seconds.) Observe and record pressure, kPa (psi).
a. If the pressure recorded is lower than the minimum specification listed, replace the power steering pump.
b. If the pressure recorded is above the maximum specification listed, the power steering pump should be removed and cleaned or replaced.
9. Increase the engine speed from idle to approximately 1500 RPM. Observe and record flow, liters/minute (gallons/minute). If flow exceeds the maximum free flow specified, the power steering pump should be replaced.
10. With the engine at idle, turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel to the right and left stops. Record the pressure and flow at stops.
a. Pressure developed at both stops should be nearly the same as the maximum pump output pressure.
b. At the same time, flow should drop below 1.9 liters/minute (0.5 gallon/minute). If pressure does not reach maximum output or flow does not drop below 1.9L/minute (0.5 gallon/minute) excessive internal leakage is occurring. Replace power steering short rack.
11. Turn (or have an assistant turn) steering wheel slightly in both directions, and release quickly while watching the pressure gauge. The needle should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap back as the steering wheel is released. If it comes back slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the rack is sticking or the steering column is binding. Check the steering column before replacing the power steering short rack.

NOTE: If concern still exists, check front suspension lower arm ball joint and steering linkage.

12. Flush the power steering system.
13. Disconnect and remove analyzer and connect lines.
14. Secure power steering hose bracket at engine.