Power Steering System Test Procedure
- Tools Required- J5176-D Pressure Tester
- J25323-B Power Steering System Analyzer
Use the J5176-D or the J25323-B in order to test the power steering system. Perform the following procedure in order to test the power steering system:
1. Place a small container under the power steering pump.
2. Disconnect the pressure hose at the pump.
3. Connect a spare pressure hose to the pump.
4. Connect the J5176-D to both hoses.
5. Open the valve on the J5176-D.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
7. Start the engine. Ensure that the power steering system has reached operating temperature.
8. Inspect the power steering system fluid level.
9. Add power steering fluid if the power steering system fluid level is low.
10. Inspect the pressure reading on the J5176-D with the valve in the open position.
11. Normal pressure reading with the engine at normal operating temperature and the valve open is 552 - 862 kPa (80 - 120 psi).
12. Inspect the system for the following conditions if the pressure is more than 1380 kPa (200 psi):
- Restrictions in the hoses
- Proper assembly of the flow control valve
Important: Do not leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds.
12. Pump damage may occur.
13. Perform the following procedures simultaneously:
13.1. Fully close the valve.
13.2. Record the pressure reading when the valve is closed.
13.3. Repeat the above steps 2 more times. Each reading should show at least 10343 kPa (1500 psi). The 3 readings should be within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
14. The pump is functioning properly if the 3 readings are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other and the pressure is high enough.
15. The flow control valve in the pump is sticking if the pressure readings are high enough, but are not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other. Perform the following procedure in order to clean the flow control valve:
15.1. Remove the valve.
15.2. Clean the valve.
15.3. Remove any burrs from the flow control valve using a crocus cloth or a fine hone.
15.4. Flush the power steering system if the power steering system appears to be contaminated.
15.5. Disassemble, clean, and assemble the pump if the power steering system is exceptionally dirty.
15.6. Disassemble, clean, and assemble the rack and pinion gear if the power steering system is exceptionally dirty.
16. Replace the flow control valve. Test the pressure again if the pressure readings are less than 10343 kPa (1500 psi).
17. Replace the rotors and the vanes if the pressure is still low. :
18. Perform the following procedures if the pump readings are within specifications:
18.1. Verify that the valve is open.
18.2. Turn the steering wheel to both stops.
18.3. Record the highest pressures. Compare the readings with the highest pressures recorded. If the pressure at both stops is not the same as the maximum pressure, the rack and pinion is leaking internally. Disassemble and repair the rack and pinion.
19. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
20. Remove the testing gauge.
21. Remove the spare hose.
22. Connect the pressure hose.
23. Inspect the fluid level.
24. Perform the needed repairs.
Rack and Pinion Pump Leak Diagnosis
1. Verify that the torque fitting measures 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) (2).
2. Replace the O-ring seal (1) if leakage persists.
3. Seat the ball (3) in the housing using a blunt punch.
4. Apply LOCTITE(R)safety solvent and LOCTITE(R)290 or equivalent to the area (3).
5. Replace the drive shaft seal. Ensure that the drive shaft is free of pitting in the seal area (4).
6. Seat the plug in the housing. Apply LOCTITE(R)290 or equivalent to the area (5).
7. Replace the O-ring seal.
Rack and Pinion Gear Leak Diagnosis
1. Verify that the torque fitting measures 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) (6).
2. Replace the O-ring seal if leakage persists. If the leakage is due to damaged threads, repair the fitting nut or replace the line as required. If the housing threads are badly damaged, replace the housing (6).
3. Replace the dust seal and the stub shaft seals (1).
4. Replace the valve assembly if you observe leakage between the torsion bar and the stub shaft (2).
5. Replace the pinion shaft seal if the following conditions exist:
- You observe the leakage at the driver side.
- The direction of turn (3) does not affect the leakage.
6. Replace the gear if leakage is observed at the housing end and spurts when bottomed in left turn (11).
7. Replace the gear (5).