Tools Required

Test the power steering system using either the J 5176-E or the J 25323-D .

The J 25323-D will measure the flow rate in addition to the pressure.

The power steering system test identifies and isolates hydraulic circuit difficulties. Perform the following inspections and corrections, as needed, prior to performing the power steering system test:

Important: All tests are made with the engine idling at the normal operating temperature. Inspect the idle speed adjustment. Adjust the idle speed to the correct specification, as needed.

1. Place a container under the steering gear or the pump in order to catch the fluid when disconnecting or connecting the hoses.
2. Turn OFF the engine.
3. Disconnect the pressure hose at the steering gear or the steering pump.
4. Use the adapter fitting J 5176-20A in order to install the J 5176-E to both of the hoses.
5. Ensure that the gauge is between the shut off valve and the pump.
6. Open the shut off valve.
7. Remove the filler cap from the pump reservoir.
8. Inspect the fluid level.

Fill the pump reservoir with the power steering fluid to the full mark on the dipstick.

9. Start the engine.

Notice: Do not hold the steering wheel in the full turn position longer than five seconds. To do so may damage the power steering pump.

10. Momentarily hold the steering wheel against the stop.

Inspect the connections at the J 5176-E for leakage.

11. Bleed the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

Important: In order to prevent scrubbing flat spots on the tires, do not turn the steering wheel more than 5 times without rolling the vehicle in order to change the tire-to-floor contact area.

12. Insert the J 5421-02 thermometer into the reservoir filler opening.
13. Move the steering wheel from stop to stop several times until the thermometer indicates a hydraulic fluid temperature in the reservoir of 65-77°C (150-170°F).
14. Inspect the pump fluid level.
15. Add power steering fluid as needed.

When the engine is at the normal operating temperature, the initial pressure on the gauge (with the valve open), should be in the 550-860 kPA (80-125 psi) range. If the pressure is in excess of 1380 kPa (200 psi), inspect the hoses for restrictions. Inspect the poppet valve for proper assembly.

16. Fully open and close the gauge valve 3 times.

Record the highest pressures that you attain each time.

17. The pump is functioning within the specifications if the following conditions occur:

•	The pressures are within the specifications at the end of this portion of the test.

•	The range of the readings is within 345 kPa (50 psi).

•	The pressures are high, but each reading repeats the same pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi).

18. If the pressures are high, but do not repeat within 345 kPa (50 psi), the flow control valve is sticking. If the flow control valve is sticking, perform the following procedure:

18.1.

Remove the flow control valve.

18.2.

Clean the flow control valve.

18.3.

Use a crocus cloth or a fine hone in order to remove any burrs.

18.4.

Flush the system if the system contains some dirt. If the system is exceptionally dirty, perform the following tasks to both the pump and the gear:

•	Disassemble

•

Clean

•

Flush

•	Reassemble

18.5.

Completely flush the fluid reservoir before any further use.

19. If the pump checks within the specifications, leave the valve open.
20. Turn the steering wheel to both stops.

Record the highest pressures.

Compare the pressures with the maximum pump pressure that is recorded. If this pressure cannot build in either (or 1) side of the gear, the gear is leaking internally. Disassemble and repair the gear.

21. Turn OFF the engine.
22. Remove the testing gauge.
23. Reconnect the pressure hose.
24. Inspect the fluid lever and/or make the necessary repairs.
25. If the problem still exists, examine the steering and the front suspension. Refer to the appropriate power steering system diagnostic procedure.

1. Place a container under the steering gear or the pump in order to catch the fluid when disconnecting or connecting the hoses.
2. Turn OFF the engine.
3. Disconnect the pressure hose at the steering gear or the power steering pump.
4. Use the J 29525 adapter.

Thread the female adapter into the pressure hose.

Thread the male adapter into the gear or the pump.

Connect the J 25323-D hoses to the adapters.

5. If the J 25323-D has never been used, bleed the power steering system in order to remove all of the air. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

The analyzer gate must be open during this procedure.

6. Add power steering fluid to the pump or the reservoir if needed.
7. Run the engine at idle speed with the gate valve open.
8. Record the flow (A) and the pressure (B).

•	If the flow is below 1.4 L/min (2 gpm) the pump may need repair. Continue the test before making any repairs.

•	If the pressure is above 1035 kPa (150 psi) inspect the hoses for restrictions. Inspect the steering gear.

9. Partially close the gate valve in order to build to 4278 kPa (620 psi).

Record the flow (C).

10. If the flow (C) drops more than 3.7 L/min (1 gpm) under flow (A), disassemble the pump. Replace the following items:

•

The ring

•

The rotor

•

The vanes

11. Replace the pressure plates if the plates are worn or have cracks.
12. Replace all of the O-rings when reassembling the pump.
13. Continue the test.
14. Completely close and partially open the gate valve 3 times. Record the gate-closed pressure (D).
15. Inspect the pressure specifications at the end of this portion of the test.

•	If the pump pressure is 690 kPa (100 psi) lower than the minimum specification listed, replace the flow control valve in the pump.

•	If the recorded pressure is above the maximum specification listed, perform the following tasks to the flow control valve in the pump:

-	Remove the valve.

-	Clean the valve.

-	Replace the valve, if needed.

•	Completely disassemble and clean the following components before any further use:

-	The steering gear

-	The steering pump

•	Completely flush the fluid reservoir before any further use.

16. Increase the engine speed from idle to approximately 1500 RPM. Record the flow (E).
17. If the flow (E) varies more than 3.7 L/min (1 gpm) from flow (A), perform the following procedure on the flow control valve:

•	Remove the valve.

•	Clean the valve.

•	Replace the valve, if needed.

Notice: Do not hold the steering wheel in the full turn position longer than five seconds. To do so may damage the power steering pump.

18. Turn the steering wheel lightly against both of the stops. Record the pressure and the flow (F).

•	The pressure that develops at both of the stops should be nearly the same as the maximum pump output (D). At the same time, the flow should drop below 1.85 L/min (0.5 gpm).

•	If the pressure does not reach the maximum output, or if the flow does not drop below the specified value, excessive internal leakage is occurring.

•	Remove and disassemble the steering gear.

•	Remove the control.

•	Repair the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

19. Turn the steering wheel in both directions. Quickly release the steering wheel while watching the pressure gauge. The needle should move from the normal pressure reading and snap back as you release the wheel.

If the steering wheel moves back slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking. Perform the following procedure to the rotary valve:

19.1.

Remove the valve.

19.2.

Clean the valve.

19.3.

Replace the valve, if needed.

20. If the system contains a lot of dirt and foreign materials perform the following operations:

•	Disassemble the pump.

•	Disassemble the gear.

•	Clean the pump.

•	Clean the gear.

21. Completely flush the fluid reservoir before any further use.
22. If the problem still exists, thoroughly examine the steering and the front suspension. Refer to the appropriate power steering system diagnostic procedure.