Tools Required
Use the J 5176-D
or
the J 25323-B
in order
to test the power steering system. Perform the following procedure in
order to test the power steering system:
- Place a small container under the power steering pump.
- Disconnect the pressure hose at the pump.
- Connect a spare pressure hose to the pump.
- Connect the J 5176-D
to both hoses.
- Open the valve on the J 5176-D
.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Start the engine.
- Ensure that the power steering system has reached operating temperature.
- Inspect the power steering system fluid level.
- Add power steering fluid if the power steering system fluid level
is low.
- Inspect the pressure reading on the J 5176-D
with the valve in the open position.
• | Normal pressure reading with the engine at normal operating temperature
and the valve open is 552-862 kPa (80-120 psi). |
• | Inspect the system for the following conditions if the pressure
is more than 1380 kPa (200 psi): |
- | Restrictions in the hoses |
- | Proper assembly of the flow control valve |
Important: Do not leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds.
Pump damage may occur.
- Perform the following procedures simultaneously:
11.1. | Fully close the valve. |
11.2. | Record the pressure reading when the valve is closed. |
11.3. | Repeat the above steps 2 more times. |
Each reading should show at least 10343 kPa (1500 psi).
The 3 readings should be within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
The pump is functioning properly if the 3 readings are within 345 kPa
(50 psi) of each other and the pressure is high enough.
- The flow control valve in the pump is sticking if the pressure
readings are high enough, but are not within 345 kPa (50 psi)
of each other. Perform the following procedure in order to clean
the flow control valve:
12.3. | Remove any burrs from the flow control valve using a crocus cloth
or a fine hone. |
12.4. | Flush the power steering system if the power steering system appears
to be contaminated. |
12.5. | Disassemble, clean, and assemble the pump if the power steering
system is exceptionally dirty. |
12.6. | Disassemble, clean, and assemble the rack and pinion gear if the
power steering system is exceptionally dirty. |
- Replace the flow control valve. Test the pressure again if the
pressure readings are less than 10343 kPa (1500 psi).
- Replace the rotors and the vanes if the pressure is still low.
- Perform the following procedures if the pump readings are within
specifications:
15.1. | Verify that the valve is open. |
15.2. | Turn the steering wheel to both stops. |
15.3. | Record the highest pressures. Compare the readings with the highest
pressures recorded. If the pressure at both stops is not the same as the maximum
pressure, the rack and pinion is leaking internally. Disassemble
and repair the rack and pinion. |
- Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
- Remove the testing gauge.
- Remove the spare hose.
- Connect the pressure hose.
- Inspect the fluid level.
- Perform the needed repairs.
Rack and Pinion Pump Leak Diagnosis
- Verify that the torque
fitting measures 27 N·m (20 lb ft) (2).
- Replace the O-ring seal (1) if the leakage persists.
- Use a blunt punch in order to seat the ball (3) in the
housing.
- Apply LOCTITE® safety solvent and LOCTITE 290® or equivalent
to the area (3).
- Replace the drive shaft seal. Ensure that the drive shaft is free
of pitting in the seal area (4).
- Seat the plug in the housing. Apply LOCTITE 290 or equivalent
to the area (5).
- Replace the O-ring seal.
- Verify that the torque
fitting measures 27 N·m (20 lb ft) (6).
- Replace the O-ring seal if the leakage persists. If the leakage
is due to damaged threads, repair the fitting nut or replace the line as required.
If the housing threads are badly damaged, replace the housing (6).
- Replace the dust seal and the stub shaft seals (1).
- Replace the valve assembly if you observe leakage between the
torsion bar and the stub shaft (2).
- Replace the pinion shaft seal if the following conditions exist:
• | You observe the leakage at the driver side. |
• | The direction of turn (3) does not affect the leakage. |
- Replace the gear if leakage is observed at the housing end and
spurts when bottomed in left turn (11).
- Replace the gear (5).