Power Assist Check
- Check the power steering fluid level (see Fluid Replacement
) and pump belt tension (see Pump Belt Inspection and Adjustment
).
- Start the engine, let it idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times to warm up the fluid.
- Attach a commercially available spring scale to the steering wheel. With the engine idling and the vehicle on a clean, dry floor, pull the scale as shown in Fig 1
and read it as soon as the tires begin to turn.
- If the scale reads no more than 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6 lbf), the gearbox and pump are OK.
- If the scale reads more than 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6 lbf), check the gearbox and pump.