Hydraulic System Pressure Test

Turn engine off. On vehicles equipped with A/C, before disconnecting high pressure hose from oil pump, remove mounting bolt at the upper right of A/C condenser and mounting screws at the upper part of right head light to allow enough clearance between oil pump connector and A/C condenser for high pressure hose to be pulled out.
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 (09915-77430), and Hose (spare part 49221-70C10) between power steering pump and rack and pinion unit. See Fig 1 . Tighten attachment fitting to 17.5 ft. lbs. (24 N.m).

Fig 1: Installing Pressure Gauge
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
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.

CAUTION: DO NOT leave shutoff valve closed longer than 10 seconds or pump may be damaged.

Increase engine speed to 1500 RPM. Gradually close pressure gauge valve while watching gauge. Fluid pressure should be 825-924 psi (5689-6371 kPa). 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.
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 825-924 psi (5689-6371 kPa). 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 power steering rack and pinion assembly.