Power Assist Check
NOTE:
This test should be done with original equipment tires and wheels at the correct tire pressure.
- Check the power steering fluid level (see Fluid Replacement ) and pump belt tension (see Pump Belt Inspection and Adjustment ).
- Start the engine, let it idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times to warm up the fluid.
- Attach a commercially available spring scale to the steering wheel With the engine idling and the vehicle on a clean, dry floor, pull the scale as shown and read it as soon as the tires begin to turn.
- If the scale reads no more than 30 N (3.1 kgf, 6.8 lbf) the gearbox and pump are OK.
- If the scale reads more than 30 N (3.1 kgf, 6.8 lbf) go to hard steering troubleshooting (see Symptom Troubleshooting ).