LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Land Rover >> 1990 >> Range Rover Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Power Recirculating Ball >> Performance Testing >> Power Steering System
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Power Steering System

NOTE: If steering lacks power assistance. Check pressure of hydraulic pump before installing new components.
  1. A hydraulic pressure gauge and test adaptor is used to test power steering system. This gauge is able to measure 1991 psi (140 kg/cm2 ). The maximum power steering system pressure is 1095 psi (77 kg/cm2 ).
  2. Some fault conditions of hydraulic pump may obtain pressures up to 1493 psi (105 kg/cm2 ). Pressure on gauge is same pressure being exerted upon steering wheel. When testing, turn steering wheel gradually while reading pressure gauge.
  3. Check and maintain maximum fluid level of reservoir. See FLUID LEVEL CHECK  under LUBRICATION.
  4. Examine power steering units and connections for leaks. All leaks must be rectified before attempting to test the system.
  5. Check steering pump drive belt tension. See POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT  under ADJUSTMENTS.
  6. Assemble test equipment and fit to vehicle. See Fig 1 .
  7. Open tap of adaptor.
  8. Bleed system, take care not to overload pressure gauge.
    9. CAUTION: Do not maintain this pressure for more than 30 seconds in any one minute to avoid overheating fluid and possibly damaging seals.
  9. With system in good condition, pressures should be:
    • Steering wheel held on full lock and engine running at 1,000 rev/min, 996-1095 psi (70-77 kg/cm2 ).
    • Steering wheel held on full lock and engine idling, 398 psi (28 kg/cm2 ).
    10. NOTE: Checks should be carried out on both full lock positions.
  10. Release steering wheel and with engine idling. Pressure should read below 100 psi (7 kg/cm2 ).
  11. If pressures differ to those given, a fault exists.
  12. To determine if fault is steering box or pump. Close adaptor tap for a maximum 5 seconds.
  13. If gauge does not register specified pressure, pump is faulty.
  14. Install a new pump, bleed system and repeat test. See POWER STEERING PUMP  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. See POWER STEERING SYSTEM  under BLEEDING. If low pressure or a substantial imbalance exists, fault is in steering box valve and worm assembly.
Fig 1: Testing Power Steering System
G00096842Courtesy of LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals