Hydraulic System Pressure Test

Check P/S pump drive belt tension and adjust if necessary. Disconnect high pressure hose from P/S pump. See Fig 1. Connect Pressure Gauge (6815) to both hoses. Connect adapter hoses to steering gear and pump lines.
Completely open test valve. Start engine and let idle. Check fluid level and adjust if necessary. At idle, gauge reading should be less than 125 psi (8.8 kg/cm² ). Initial pressure should be 50-80 psi (3.5-5.6 kg/cm² ).

CAUTION: DO NOT leave test valve closed for more than 5 seconds or operate pump with steering gear against stops for more than 2-4 seconds, as power steering pump may be damaged.

Fully close test valve 3 times and record highest pressure reading each time. All 3 pressure readings must be within specification and within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm² ) of each other.
If P/S pump pressures are greater than specification but not within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm² ) of each other, replace P/S pump. If P/S pump pressures are within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm² ) of each other but below specification, replace P/S pump.
Completely open test valve. Turn steering wheel left then right against stops. Record highest indicated reading at each stop. If highest pressures are not the same against either stop, P/S pump is leaking internally. Replace P/S pump.

Fig 1: Locating P/S High Pressure Hose

Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.

POWER STEERING PUMP SPECIFICATIONS⁽¹⁾

Application

Specifications

Pressure Relief

1200-1300 psi (84.4-91.4 kg/cm² )

Minimum Pump Flow

1.7 Gal./Min. (6.4L/Min.)

⁽¹⁾	Pump pressure is measured at 1500 RPM.