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Pressure Test

  1. With belt tension correct, disconnect power steering pump pressure hose, keeping hose end raised to prevent fluid loss. Connect pressure hose of suitable gauge to power steering pump fitting and connect second hose from valve side of tester to steering gear inlet. Open valve and run engine until fluid reaches normal operating temperature (170°F). Check fluid level and add if necessary.
    NOTE: For testing Ford vehicles, Power Steering Analyzer D79-33610-A with flow meter is necessary.
  2. If testing Chrysler vehicle, skip intermediate steps and proceed to step  6). On all other/vehicles, note pressure reading with valve open and engine idling. Pressure should be 80-125 psi. On Ford vehicles, note flow. If flow is less than 2 gallons per minute, pump may require repair. At this point, however, continue test. If pressure is above 150 psi on Ford or 200 psi on all other vehicles, check hoses for restrictions and poppet valve (Saginaw gears) for proper assembly.
  3. On Ford vehicles, partially close valve to build pressure up to 740 psi for Ford pumps and 620 psi for Saginaw pumps. If flow drops below 1.7 gals./min. for Ford or 1.8 gals./min. for Saginaw pumps, disassemble pump and replace cam pack.
  4. On all vehicles, close gate valve completely and re-open 3 times. Record highest reading each time. DO NOT close valve for more than 5 seconds. On Ford vehicles, increase engine speed to 1500 RPM and record flow. On all models, if pressure is less than specification, remove and replace flow control valve. If within specifications on General Motors and Jeep but readings are not within 50 psi of each other, or if above specifications on Ford, or if flow varies from step  3) reading by more than 1 gal./min., remove flow control valve and clean or replace.
  5. On all models, with valve open, turn steering wheel all the way from right to left stops and record pressure. DO NOT hold wheel against stops more than 5 seconds. Pressure should be the same as recorded in step 6  ). Note that on Ford vehicles flow should drop 0.5 gal./min. If pump output cannot be matched in either side of gear, gear is leaking internally and must be overhauled. Shut off engine and remove tester, reconnecting hoses.
  6. On Chrysler vehicles, idle engine at 600-800 RPM and with valve open, note pressure while turning wheels from side to side to stops. DO NOT hold wheel against stops for more than 5 seconds. A pressure of at least 900 psi should be read. If pressure is low, system is not operating properly. Momentarily close valve and note pressure. If pressure is less than 900 psi, pump is faulty. If pressure is 900 psi but was low at previous reading, steering gear is at fault. Disconnect gauge and reconnect hoses after turning off engine.
PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS

Application Pump Output Pressure (psi)
Idle Pressure Relief Pressure
Ford 80-125 (1)1350-1450
General Motors
  C10/30 80-125 1200-1300
  G10/30 80-125 (2)900-1000
Jeep
  CJ & Scrambler 80-125 1100-1200
  Cherokee, Truck & Wagoneer 80-125 1400-1500
(1) Saginaw pump. With Ford pump, 1400-1500 psi.
(2) G30 with hydroboost, pressure is 1350-1450 psi.
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