Hydraulic System Pressure Test
- Turn engine off. On vehicles equipped with A/C, take care not to damage A/C condenser during this operation.
- On all vehicles, clean joint of high pressure hose and P/S pump. Disconnect high pressure hose from pump. Install Oil Pressure Gauge (09915-77410), Oil Pressure Gauge Attachment and Hose (09915-77420) between P/S pump and rack and pinion unit. See Fig 1 .
- Bleed system with shutoff valve open. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING .
- With engine idling, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times until fluid temperature in reservoir is 122-140°F (50-60°C). With steering wheel straight ahead and hands off steering wheel, check pressure gauge. Pressure should be less than 142 psi (980 kPa). If gauge reads more than 142 psi (980 kPa), check flow control valve, pressure hoses and pipes for restrictions.
- Increase engine speed to 1500 RPM. Gradually close pressure gauge valve while watching gauge. Fluid pressure should be 1024-1123 psi (7060-7743 kPa) on 1.6L, and 1166-1265 psi (8040-8722 kPa) on 1.8L. If fluid pressure is more than maximum specified pressure, check for possible malfunction of pressure relief valve. If fluid pressure is less than minimum pressure, check for possible incorrect setting of pressure relief valve spring or failed P/S pump.
- Open pressure gauge valve. Maintain engine speed at 1500 RPM. Check pressure gauge reading with steering wheel turned fully to left or right. Fluid pressure should be 1024-1123 psi (7060-7743 kPa) on 1.6L, and 1166-1265 psi (8040-8722 kPa) on 1.8L. If fluid pressure is more than maximum specified pressure, check for possible malfunction of pressure relief valve. If fluid pressure is less than minimum pressure, repair or replace P/S rack and pinion assembly.
CAUTION:
DO NOT leave shutoff valve closed longer than 10 seconds or pump may be damaged.
CAUTION:
DO NOT hold steering wheel at fully turned position for longer than 10 seconds or P/S rack and pinion assembly may be damaged.