For 1990-2009 cars

#### Rack and Pinion System

(1) | Power Steering Return Hose
(2) | Power Steering Pressure Hose

### Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. This step tests the system for restrictions.

2. This step tests the following components for the following conditions:

• | The power steering system for back pressure

• | The pump for internal leaks

• | The power steering pipes for kinks

3. This step tests the ability of the pump to regulate flow at maximum pressure.

4. This step tests the ability of the pump to regulate flow under normal operating conditions.

5. This step tests the internal components of the pump and the gear.

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Notice: If the power steering system has been serviced, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be obtained unless air is bled from the steering system. The air in the fluid may cause pump cavitation noise and may cause pump damage over a period of time.

Important: In order to accurately diagnose the system, the malfunction must be present during the test procedure.

DEFINITION: The Power Steering System Test Procedure will perform the following functions:

• | Test the operation of the hydraulic power steering system.

• | Test the operation of the power steering pump and power steering gear.

• | Identify restrictions in the system.

1 |

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle in order to catch any power steering fluid.
3. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet pipe from the power steering gear.
4. Install the J 44721 and an adapter to the power steering gear on the pressure side.
5. Install the J 44721 to the power steering gear inlet pipe.
6. Inspect and add ONLY approved power steering fluid as necessary in order to ensure that the power steering fluid is at the proper level and not contaminated. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .

Is the fluid at the proper level and free from contamination?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 2

2 | Fill or drain and refill the fluid as necessary. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid . Is the fluid at the proper level and free from contamination? | -- | Go to Step 3 | --
3 |

1. Fully open the J 44721 valve.
2. Start the engine.

Notice: Do not hold the steering wheel in the full turn position longer than 5 seconds, as damage to the steering pump may result.

3. Turn the steering wheel and BRIEFLY hold the steering wheel against the steering stop in order to release any trapped air from the system.
4. Inspect and ensure that all of the power steering pipe/hose connections are not leaking.
5. Verify the fluid is free of foam or discoloration. Bleed the power steering system and add fluid if necessary. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
6. Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
7. Observe the pressure reading.

Is the pressure reading GREATER than the specified value?

490 kPa

(71 psi)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4 | Important: A restriction may be present in the power steering system. Turn off the engine IMMEDIATELY. Locate and repair the restriction. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 16 | --
5 |

1. Inspect and add ONLY approved power steering fluid as necessary in order to ensure that the power steering fluid is at the proper level. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
2. Allow the engine to run until the engine reaches full operating temperature.
3. Record the pressure reading and flow reading (A).
4. Partially close the J 44721 valve until the system pressure reaches the specified value, then record the FLOW reading (B).
5. Subtract flow reading B from flow reading A.

Is the flow DECREASE greater than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute?

4827 kPa

(700 psi)

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6 | Notice: Do not leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds, or the pump could be damaged internally. Fully close then open the J 44721 valve 3 times. Record all of the high pressure readings. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications . Are the three high pressure readings within specifications? | 6374-7416 kPa (924-1076 psi) | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 13
7 | Are the three high pressure readings within 245 kPa (50 psi) of each other? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 12
8 |

1. Increase the engine speed to approximately 3000 RPM.
2. Record the flow reading. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications .

Is the actual flow reading within specifications?

4.5 liters/minute (1.2 gallons/minute)

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 11

9 | Is the difference between the actual flow reading and the maximum flow specification GREATER than the specification? | 3.8 liters/minute (1 gallon/minute) | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 10
10 | Notice: Do not hold the steering wheel in the full turn position longer than 5 seconds, as damage to the steering pump may result. Turn the steering wheel from steering stop to steering stop and record the FLOW readings at each stop. Is the flow LESS than the specification? | 3.8 liters/minute (1 gallon/minute) | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 15
11 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 16 | --
12 |

1. Remove the power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - On Vehicle .
2. Inspect the flow control valve.

If any burrs or scratches are noticed on the flow control valve, replace the flow control valve. Do NOT attempt to clean the flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - On Vehicle .

3. Inspect the flow control valve bore.

If any burrs or scratches are present in the control valve bore, replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 16

--

13 | Replace the power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - On Vehicle . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 16 | --
14 |

1. Remove the power steering pump flow control valve and inspect for any wear or damage. Do NOT disassemble the flow control valve.
2. If the flow control valve is worn damaged, replace the flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - On Vehicle .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15 | The power steering gear is leaking across the piston or bypassing the valve circuit. Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 16 | --
16 | Test the power steering system for the original condition. Does the original condition still exist? | -- | Go to Step 1 | Go to Step 17
17 |

1. Disconnect and remove the J 44721 from the vehicle.
2. Connect the power steering gear inlet pipe to the power steering gear.
3. Bleed the power steering system and add fluid as necessary. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--