Diagnosis And Testing - Power Steering Flow And Pressure Test: Notes

WARNING: TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY, SAFETY GOGGLES SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE PERFORMING ANY TEST PROCEDURES ON THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM.

The following procedure is to be used to test the operation of the power steering system on this vehicle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power steering pump along with the maximum relief pressure. This test is to be performed any time a power steering system problem is present to determine if the power steering pump or power steering gear is not functioning properly. The following flow and pressure test is performed using the Power Steering Analyzer Kit, Special Tool 6815, hoses, Special Tools 6905 and 6959, and adapters, Special Tool 8185A. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Power Steering Analyzer With Hoses Installed

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6815

2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6959

3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8185-2

4 - SPECIAL TOOL 6905 & 6713-1

Assemble hoses on Power Steering Analyzer, Special Tool 6815, as shown. See Fig 1. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6905 (in 6893 kit), in the inlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer flow meter. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6713 (in 6815 kit) on 6905. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959, in the outlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer flow meter.
Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 8185-1A, on the end of Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6713. Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 8185-2, on Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959.
Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

Unscrew the tube nut and disconnect the power steering fluid pressure hose from the power steering gear. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Hose At Gear

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - POWER STEERING GEAR

2 - PRESSURE HOSE TUBE NUT

3 - RETURN HOSE CLAMP

4 - REAR OF FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER

Connect the vehicle's power steering pressure hose to Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 8185-2, connected to the analyzer. See Fig 3. Tighten the tube nut to a torque of 47 N.m (35 ft. lbs.). Route the hoses away from the exhaust system as well as possible.

Fig 3: Analyzer Connected To Vehicle

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - POWER STEERING GEAR

2 - PRESSURE HOSE

3 - REAR OF FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER

Connect Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 8185-1A, which is connected to the analyzer outlet hose (valve end), to the power steering gear port. See Fig 3. Tighten the tube nut to a torque of 47 N.m (35 ft. lbs.).
Being careful not to kink or pinch the analyzer hoses, lower the vehicle to the ground.