To properly test the Saturn power steering system, the following tests should be performed, in the order presented.

1. Inspect the power steering fluid level.
2. Inspect the accessory drive belt for slippage.

1. Disconnect the high pressure line at the steering gear and install the Power Steering System Tester SA9134C or equivalent.
2. Open the gate valve on the power steering system tester.
3. Run the engine until it has reached normal operating temperature. Replace any power steering fluid lost during power steering tester installation. Bleed the system if necessary. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
4. With the engine idling, record the power steering fluid pressure and flow rate. If the pressure reading is greater than 1,034 kPA (150 psi), stop the engine and check the power steering lines for restrictions.

Important: Do not turn the steering wheel while performing this test. This will lead to inaccurate results.

5. Slowly close the gate valve until 4,827 kPa (700 psi) is indicated on the power steering tester. Record the power steering fluid pressure and flow rate. If the flow rate observed drops 3.8 LPM (1 GPM) or more, replace the pump.

Important: Do not turn the steering wheel while performing this test. This will lead to inaccurate results.

6. Fully close and open the gate valve 3 times.

Notice: Do not close gate valve for more than 5 seconds at a time. This may damage the power steering pump.

Important: Do not turn the steering wheel while performing this test. This will lead to inaccurate results.

Record the power steering fluid pressure each time the gate valve is closed. All 3 readings should be within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other and between 1,300-1,400 psi (L61) or 1,400-1,500 psi (L81). If not, replace pump.
7. With the gate valve open, increase the engine speed to 1,600 RPM and record the power steering fluid pressure and flow rate.

Important: Do not turn the steering wheel while performing this test. This will lead to inaccurate results.

The flow rate should not vary more than 3.8 LPM (1 GPM) from flow rate recorded in step 4. If the flow rate does vary 3.8 LPM (1 GPM) or more, check that the flow control valve moves freely in the pump housing. Replace the pump if the valve does not move freely.
8. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, then all the way to the right. Record the power steering fluid pressure and the flow rate at each stop. If the flow is greater than 3.8 LPM (1 GPM) at either stop, the steering gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.