GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2000 🢒 Alero 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering System 🢒 Power Steering System Test

Tools Required

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

    4. Object Number: 65340 Size: SH
  4. Connect the J 5176-E to both of the hoses.

    5. The J 25323-D will measure the flow rate as well as the pressure.


    Object Number: 65340 Size: SH
  5. Open the valve on the gauge.
  6. Start the engine.
    7. 6.1. Allow the system to reach normal operating temperature and pressure.

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

    6.2. Inspect the fluid level.

    Add fluid if required. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .

    6.3. Inspect the hoses for restrictions if the pressure is more than 1035 kPa (150 psi).

    Important: Do not leave the valve fully closed longer than 5 seconds. Closing the valve for longer than 5 seconds may cause damage to the pump.

  7. Fully close the valve three times.
  8. Record the pressure reading each time the valve is closed.

    9. The three readings should be within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other. The pump is functioning properly if the pressure readings are at least 6895 kPa (1000 psi). If the pressure readings are high enough but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other the valve in the pump is sticking. Perform the following procedure in order to correct the valve:

    8.1. Remove the valve.
    8.2. Clean the valve.
       • Clean the valve with a crocus cloth.
       • Remove any burrs.
    8.3. Flush the valve if the system contains dirt.
    8.4. Disassemble the pump and the steering gear if the system is extremely dirty.

    Refer to the Steering Gear Replacement .

  9. Complete the following steps if the pump checks to specification:
    10. 9.1. Open the valve
    9.2. Turn the steering wheel to both stops
  10. Record the highest pressure.

    11. 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.

  11. Disassemble and repair the steering gear if the steering gear is leaking internally.
  12. Turn off the engine.
  13. Remove the testing gauge.
  14. Remove the spare hose.
  15. Reconnect the pressure hose.
  16. Inspect the fluid level.

    17. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .