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Home >> Triumph >> 1981 >> TR8 Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Steering - Power-Assisted Rack & Pinion >> Testing >> Hydraulic System
July 1: So it begins. Don't worry, this is not in the correct legal jurisdiction!

Hydraulic System

  1. Connect a 1500 psi (100 kg/cm2 ) pressure gauge into the pump pressure line, start engine and allow to idle.
  2. Turn steering to full lock and exert pressure on steering gear. On Jaguar, pressure should be 1100-1 200 psi (77.5-84.4 kg/cm2 ) at idle. On Triumph, pressure should be a minimum of 450 psi (32 kg/cm2 ) at idle and 950-1000 psi (67-70 kg/cm2 ) at 1000 RPM.
    NOTE: On Jaguar models, if pressure is below 1100 psi (77.5 kg/cm2 ) at idle, but rises with engine speed increase, problem is either a defective pump control valve or internal leakage in rack and pinion.
  3. On Triumph, release steering wheel and allow to come off full lock position. Pressure reading should be a maximum of 55 psi (4 kg/cm2 ) at idle.
  4. If system pressure readings were not to specifications, connect a shut-off valve (JD. 10-2) between pump and pressure gauge. This will isolate steering pump from steering gear and determine if problem is in gear or pump.
    Fig 1: Exploded View Of Jaguar And Triumph Power Assisted Rack And Pinion Steering Gear
    G09358388Courtesy of JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, LLC
  5. With shut-off valve open, start engine and allow steering fluid to reach normal operating temperature. Close shut-off valve and repeat pressure tests.
    NOTE: Do not keep shut-off valve closed for more than 5 seconds at a time, otherwise fluid will overheat and damage to system could occur.
  6. If test pressures are now to specifications, fault is in steering gear. If test pressures are still not to specifications, fault is in pump. Refer to OVERHAUL in this article. 
    Fig 2: Pressure Gauge And Shut-Off Valve Connections
    G09358389Courtesy of JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, LLC