Component Tests and General Diagnostics

Component Tests

Steering Linkage Inspection and Backlash (Free play) Check

CAUTION: Steering gear boots must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Use new clamps when installing steering gear boots.
Inspect the boots for cuts, deterioration, twisting or distortion. Check the steering gear boots to make sure they are tight. Install new boots or clamps as necessary.

NOTE:
The following steps must be carried out with assistance.
1 With the wheels in the straight ahead position, gently turn the steering wheel to the left and the right to check for free play.
2 Free play should be between 0 and 6 mm (0 and 0.24 in) at the steering wheel rim. If the free play exceeds this limit, either the ball joints are worn, the lower steering column joints are worn or the backlash of the steering gear is excessive.

CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to adjust the steering gear yoke. Failure to follow this instruction will invalidate the steering gear warranty.
3 The backlash of the steering gear cannot be adjusted, install a new steering gear if excessive backlash is diagnosed.
4 Grasp the steering wheel firmly and move it up and down and to the left and right without turning the wheel to check for column bearing wear, steering wheel or steering column.

Power Steering Fluid Condition Check
1 Run the engine for 2 minutes.
2 Check the power steering fluid system level.
3 Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not brown or black.
4 Using a suitable clean syringe extract a suitable amount of fluid from the reservoir.
5 Allow the fluid to drip onto a facial tissue and examine the stain.
6 If evidence of solid material is found, the power steering fluid system should be drained for further inspection.
7 If fluid contamination or steering component failure is confirmed by the sediment in the power steering fluid system, REFER to Steering Fault Diagnosis by Symptom Charts. Symptom Chart

Power Steering Pressure Test

Test Equipment









The measurement of the maximum system pressure, (which is governed by the pressure relief valve) is achieved by inserting the Service Tool (pressure gauge and adapters) into the fluid circuit of the power steering system. Run the engine at idle speed, turn the steering from lock to lock and read the maximum pressure recorded on the gauge.

Installing Test Equipment
To install the pressure test equipment:
- Place a suitable drain tray below the power steering pump.
- Install a hose clamp on the reservoir to pump hose prior to disconnecting any hoses, to avoid unnecessary loss of fluid.
- Disconnect the hose from the power steering pump high pressure outlet.
- Install the pump outlet to hose adaptor (5). Do not omit the 'O' ring seal (9).
- Connect the power steering pump adaptor to control valve hose (6) of the test equipment.
- Install the adaptor (4) in the high pressure hose previously removed from the power steering pump outlet.
- Connect the connector (3) of the test equipment hose (2) to the adaptor (4).
- Remove the hose clamp from the reservoir hose.
- Start the engine to check the system pressure.
With the control valve (7) OPEN and the engine idling, the following system pressures may be checked:
- During turning when static (dry parking pressure).
- When the steering is held on full lock (maximum system pressure or pressure relief).
- With the steering at rest (idle pressure or back pressure).

CAUTION: To avoid excessive heating of the power steering pump when CHECKING the pressure, do not close the valve for more than 5 seconds maximum.

CAUTION: When CHECKING the pump pressure DO NOT drive the vehicle with the test equipment installed.
With the control valve (7) CLOSED the power steering pump maximum output pressure can be checked.

Removing Test Equipment
To remove the test equipment:
- Install a hose clamp on the reservoir to power steering pump hose.
- Removing the test equipment is a reversal of the installation instructions.
- Install a new 'O' ring seal (9) to the power steering pump high pressure outlet to hose connection.
- Install the original hose to the power steering pump.
- Remove the clamp from the reservoir to the power steering pump hose.
- Top-up the reservoir fluid.
- Bleed the power steering system. For additional information, refer to Power Steering System Bleeding Service and Repair