Hydraulic System Pressure Test
- Connect a pressure gauge between steering pump and steering gear with the valve of gauge toward the steering gear side. See Figure .
- Bleed air from system. Open valve. Start engine and let idle. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to increase fluid temperature.
- To measure fluid pressure generated by the oil pump, completely close the gauge valve for 15 seconds and increase engine speed to 1000-1500 RPM.NOTE: Leaving gauge valve closed for more than 15 seconds will increase fluid temperature and could damage the oil pump.
- To measure the fluid pressure generated at the gear housing, first open the gauge valve completely, increase engine speed to 1000-1500 RPM and turn steering wheel from lock-to-lock.
- Do not keep steering wheel fully turned for more than 10 seconds. Gear housing fluid pressure limit is 924 psi (64 kg/cm2 ) at 122-140°F (50-60°C). If the oil pump is defective, replaced as an assembly.