GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2000 🢒 Venture Ext. 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering System 🢒 Power Steering System Test

Tools Required

    • J 5176-D Power Steering Pressure Tester
    • J 25323-A Power Steering System Analyzer
  1. Disconnect the pressure hose at the pump. Use a small container in order to catch any leaking liquid.
  2. Connect a spare pressure hose to the pump.

    3. Object Number: 281722 Size: SH
  3. Connect the J 5176-D or J 25323-A to both of the hoses.

    4. The J 25323-A measures the flow rate as well as the pressure.


    Object Number: 281722 Size: SH
  4. Open the valve on the gage.
  5. Start the engine.
  6. Allow the system to reach normal operating temperature and pressure.

    7. The operating pressure range with the tester/analyzer valve open is 552-862 kPa (80-125 psi).

  7. Inspect the fluid level.

    8. Add fluid as needed. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .

  8. Inspect the power steering pipes/hoses for restrictions if the pressure is more than 1035 kPa (150 psi).

    9. Notice: At no time should the system relief pressure be maintained for longer than 5 seconds, as damage to the steering pump may result.

  9. Close the gage valve, then open the gage valve.
  10. Record the pressure reading each time the valve is closed.
  11. Compare the pressure readings.
    12. • The pump is functioning correctly if the following conditions exist:
       - The three readings are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
       - The pressure readings measure at least 6895 kPa (1000 psi).
    • The valve in the pump is sticking if the following conditions exist:
       - The three readings are not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
       - The pressure readings measure at least 6895 kPa (1000 psi).
  12. If the valve is sticking, perform the following steps:
    13. 12.1. Remove the valve.
    12.2. Clean the valve.

    Flush the valve if the system contains dirt.

       • Use a crocus cloth in order to remove any burrs.
       • Flush the valve if there is dirt in the system.
       • If the system is extremely dirty, disassemble the pump and the steering gear.
       • Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement or Steering Gear Replacement .
  13. Complete the following steps if the pressures are within specifications:
    14. 13.1. Open the valve
    13.2. Turn the steering wheel to both stops
  14. Record the highest pressure.

    15. Compare the highest pressure to the recorded highest pressure. If the pressure at both of the stops is not the same as the maximum pressure, the steering gear is leaking internally.

  15. Disassemble and repair the steering gear if the steering gear is leaking internally.
  16. Turn the engine to the OFF position.
  17. Remove the testing gauge.
  18. Remove the spare hose.
  19. Reconnect the pressure hose.
  20. Inspect the fluid level.

    21. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .