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Pump Flow & Pressure Test

CAUTION: Do not touch the flowmeter during the test procedure or severe burns and serious injury can occur.
CAUTION: Make sure that the connection point will not interfere with any of the engine accessory drive components or drive belts.
  1. Install Power Steering Analyzer (014-00207) or equivalent at the high pressure port of the power steering pump.See SPECIAL TOOLS . Make sure the power steering analyzer gate valve is fully open. On some vehicles, the power steering pump high pressure port is inaccessible, and the special tool should then be installed either at the steering gear or at a point in the high pressure line between the power steering pump and the steering gear.
  2. Place thermometer (023-R0007) or equivalent in the power steering pump reservoir.
  3. Check the power steering fluid level. If necessary, add power steering fluid. Use Motorcraft Mercon® Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX meeting Ford specification MERCON or equivalent.
    4. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
  4. Start the engine. Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Set the parking brake. Raise the power steering fluid temperature to 165-175°F (74-80°C) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
  5. Set the engine speed to idle. Record the flow rate and pressure readings. See POWER STEERING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS  table under GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS.
    • If the flow rate is below the idle flow rate specification, the power steering pump may require repair. Continue with the test procedure.
    • If the pressure reading is above the idle pressure specification, then check the power steering hoses for kinks and restrictions.
  6. Partially close the gate valve to obtain 740 psi (5098 kPa). Record the flow rate. See POWER STEERING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS  table under GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS. If flow rate is less than specified, replace power steering pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  7. Completely close and partially open the gate valve three times. Record the pressure relief valve actuation pressure reading. See POWER STEERING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS  table under GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS. If the pressure does not meet the relief pressure specification, then install a new power steering pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  8. Set the engine speed to 1,500 RPM. Record the flow rate. See POWER STEERING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS  table under GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS. If the flow rate varies more than 1 gallon/minute (3.785 liters/minute) from the initial flow rate reading, then install a new power steering pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
    9. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
  9. Set the engine speed at idle. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel to the left and right stops. Record the flow rate and pressure readings at the stops. See POWER STEERING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS  table under GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS.
    • The pressure reading at both stops should be nearly the same as the maximum pump relief pressure.
    • The flow rate should drop below 0.5 gallons/minute (1.9 liters/minute).
    • If the pressure does not reach the maximum pump relief pressure or the flow rate does not drop below the specified value, excessive internal leakage is occurring. Repair or install a new steering gear as necessary. See STEERING GEAR  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  10. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly while watching the pressure gauge.
    • The pressure reading should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap back as the steering wheel is released.
    • If the pressure returns slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering column is binding. Check the steering column and linkage before repairing the steering gear. See STEERING GEAR  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
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