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Home >> Pontiac >> 2009 >> G8 Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering System >> Diagnostic Information and Procedures >> Power Steering System Test >> Test Procedure
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Test Procedure

Step Action Value(s) Yes No
1 Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:
  • Milky fluid - water
  • Brown fluid - burnt
  • Debris in fluid - plastic or dirt

Is the fluid contaminated?		 - Go to Step 2  Go to Step 3 
2 Flush the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Flushing .
Did you complete the procedure?		 - Go to Step 3  -
3
NOTE: In order to accurately diagnose the system, the condition must be present during the test procedure.
Attempt to duplicate the condition.Is the condition present?		 - Go to Step 4  System OK
4
  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle in order to catch any power steering fluid.
  3. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose from the power steering pump.
  4. Install the J 44721  Power Steering System Analyser
  5. Fill the power steering system to the correct level. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
  6. Fully open the J 44721  valve.
  7. Start the engine.
    8. CAUTION: Refer to Steering Wheel in the Full Turn Position Caution .
  8. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock three times, BRIEFLY holding the steering wheel against the steering stop each time in order to release any trapped air from the system.
  9. Inspect and make sure that all of the power steering pipe/hose connections are not leaking.
Did you complete the installation?		 - Go to Step 5  -
5
  1. Start the engine.
    2. NOTE: The steering must not be against the steering stop.
  2. Observe the pressure reading.
Is the pressure reading greater than the specified value?		 1379 kPa
(200 psi)		 Go to Step 6  Go to Step 7 
6
NOTE: A restriction may be present in the power steering system. Turn off the engine immediately.
Locate and repair the restriction.Did you complete the repair?		 - Go to Step 15  -
7
  1. Allow the engine to run until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  2. Record the pressure and flow readings.
  3. Partially close the J 44721  valve to adjust the system pressure to the specified value. Record the flow reading.
  4. Subtract second flow reading from the first flow reading.
Is the decrease in flow greater than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute?		 4827 kPa
(700 psi)		 Go to Step 11  Go to Step 8 
8
NOTE: Do not leave the valve closed for more than 5 seconds, or internal pump damage could occur.
Fully close then open the J 44721  valve 3 times. Record all of the high pressure readings. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications , for power steering system pressure relief specifications.Are the three high pressure readings within specifications?		 - Go to Step 9  Go to Step 13 
9 Are the three high pressure readings within 245 kPa (50 psi) of each other? - Go to Step 10  Go to Step 13 
10
  1. Increase the engine speed to approximately 1500 RPM.
  2. Record the flow reading. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications , for power steering system pressure specifications.
Is the flow reading within specifications?		 - Go to Step 11  Go to Step 13 
11 Is the difference between the flow reading recorded in step 7.2 and the minimum flow specification more than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute? - Go to Step 13  Go to Step 12 
12
CAUTION: Refer to Steering Wheel in the Full Turn Position Caution .
Turn the steering wheel from steering stop to steering stop and record the flow readings at each stop.Is the flow lower than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute?		 - Go to Step 15  Go to Step 14 
13 Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (3.6L Engine)  or Power Steering Pump Replacement (6.0L Engine) .
Did you complete the replacement?		 - Go to Step 15  -
14 The power steering gear is leaking across the piston or bypassing the valve circuit. Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (3.6L Engine LHD)  or Steering Gear Replacement (6.0L Engine)  in Power Steering System. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (3.6L Engine LHD)  or Steering Gear Replacement (6.0L Engine)  in Power Steering System.
Did you complete the replacement?		 - Go to Step 15  -
15 Test the power steering system for the original condition.
Does the original condition still exist?		 - Go to Step 5  Go to Step 16 
16
  1. Disconnect and remove the J 44721  from the vehicle.
  2. Connect the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose to the power steering pump.
  3. Fill the power steering system to the correct level. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
Did you complete the procedure?		 - System OK -
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