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Pressure & Flow Rate Test

    CAUTION: To prevent power steering pump damage during pump pressure testing, open valve on tester before starting engine. During testing, do not turn steering wheel unless specified in procedure.
  1. Disconnect high pressure line at power steering gear and install Power Steering System Tester (SA9134C), or equivalent. Open gate valve on power steering system tester. Run engine until it has reached normal operating temperature. Replace any power steering fluid lost during tester installation. Bleed system if necessary. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING  under LUBRICATION.
  2. With engine idling, record power steering pressure and flow rate. If pressure is greater than 150 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 ), stop engine and check for restricted power steering hose lines.
    NOTE: Turning steering wheel while performing test will cause inaccurate results.
  3. Partially close valve until pressure is 700 psi (49 kg/cm2 ). Record power steering fluid pressure and flow rate. If difference between this flow rate and that obtained in previous step is greater than one gallon (3.8L) per minute, replace power steering pump ring, rotor and vanes. Check for worn or damaged pressure plate and thrust plates. Replace components, as necessary, or entire pump assembly.
    4. CAUTION: Pump will be damaged if tester valve is held closed for more than 5 seconds.
  4. Completely close valve for a few seconds, and then open it. Do this 3 times, recording highest pressure obtained each time valve is closed. If readings are not within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm2 ) of each other, replace flow control valve.
  5. With gate valve open, increase engine speed to 1600 RPM, and record power steering fluid pressure and flow rate. If difference between this flow rate and that obtained in step  2 is less than one gallon (3.8L) per minute, go to next step. If difference between flow rates is greater than one gallon (3.8L) per minute, replace flow control valve.
  6. Turn steering wheel from stop to stop, recording pressure and flow rate at each stop. DO NOT hold steering wheel at stops for more than 5 seconds. If flow rate at either stop is greater than one gallon (3.8L) per minute, steering gear is leaking internally. Replace steering gear. Remove tester. Fill and bleed system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING  under LUBRICATION.
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