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 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 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 pressure pipe/hose from the power steering pump.
4. Install the J 5176-E , J 35465 , and the J 41380 between the power steering pump and the power steering gear on the pressure side.
5. 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 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. Observe the pressure reading.

Is the pressure reading greater than the specified value?

1000 kPa

(142 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 11 | --
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 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?

6200 kPa

(882 psi)

Go to Step 9

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 valve 3 times. Record all of the high pressure readings. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications for power steering system pressure relief specifications.

Are the three high pressure readings within specifications?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7 | Are the three high pressure readings within 245 kPa (50 psi) of each other? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 9
8 | 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 LOWER than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 10
9 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 11 | --
10 | 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 11 | --
11 | Test the power steering system for the original condition. Does the original condition still exist? | -- | Go to Step 1 | Go to Step 12
12 |

1. Disconnect and remove the J 5176-E , J 35465 , and the J 41380 from the vehicle.
2. Connect the vehicle power steering pipes/hoses.
3. Bleed the power steering system and add fluid as necessary. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

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