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Hydraulic System Pressure Test

  1. Ensure belt tension is correct. Disconnect high pressure line from power steering pump. Connect Power Steering Pressure Gauge(J-5176-D) hose to power steering pump fitting. Connect other hose from valve side of tester to steering gear inlet.
  2. Open valve on pressure gauge. Check fluid level, and add fluid (as necessary). Check for possible leaks at pressure gauge connections. Bleed air from system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING  under LUBRICATION. Run engine until fluid reaches normal operating temperature of 150-170°F (66-77°C). Check fluid level, and add fluid (as necessary).
  3. Note pressure reading with valve open and engine idling. Pressure should be 80-125 psi (6-9 kg/cm2 ). If pressure exceeds 200 psi (14 kg/cm2 ), check hoses for restrictions and poppet valve for proper assembly.
    CAUTION: To prevent pump damage, DO NOT  hold gauge valve closed for more than 5 seconds.
  4. Completely close and open valve 3 times. Record highest reading each time. Readings should be within specifications. On Commercial Van and Van, see Fig 1 ; on all other models, refer to the PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS  table.
  5. If pressure readings are within specifications and within 50 psi (4 kg/cm2 ) of each other, pump is operating properly.
  6. If readings are within specifications but not within 50 psi (4 kg/cm2 ) of each other, flow control valve in pump is sticking. Remove valve, but DO NOT  disassemble it. Clean valve using crocus cloth or fine hone. Flush system if it is dirty. If it is exceptionally dirty, disassemble and clean pump and steering gear.
  7. If pressure is constant but more than 100 psi (7 kg/cm2 ) below specifications, clean or replace flow control valve in pump. If readings are still low, replace pump.
  8. If pressure readings are as specified, turn steering wheel from stop to stop with valve open. Record highest pressure with wheels at both stops. If highest pressure is not equal to highest pressure recorded in step 2), steering gear is leaking internally. Repair or replace assembly.
  9. Turn engine off. Remove tester. Reconnect pressure hose. Check fluid level. Bleed hydraulic system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING  under LUBRICATION.
PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS

Application Idle Pressure psi (kg/cm2 ) Relief Pressure psi (kg/cm2 )
Astro & Safari 80-125 (6-9) 1250-1350 (87-95)
C15/25 & "K" Series 80-125 (6-9) 1200-1300 (84-91)
C35 80-125 (6-9) 1465-1515 (103-106)
C35 (With Hydro-Boost) 80-125 (6-9) 1350-1450 (95-102)
Bravada, "S" & "T" Series 80-125 (6-9) 1100-1200 (77-84)
Fig 1: Pump Pressure Specifications (Commercial Van & Van)
G92B21908Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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