Power Steering Flow And Pressure Test - SRT

The following procedure is used to test the operation of the power steering system on this vehicle. This test will provide the gallons per minute (GPM) or flow rate of the power steering pump along with the maximum relief pressure. Perform this test anytime a power steering system problem is present. This test will determine if the power steering pump or power steering gear is not functioning properly. The following test is performed using the Power Steering Analyzer Kit (special tool #6815, Kit, Power Steering) (with appropriate hoses) and Adapters from Power Steering Analyzer Adapter Kit (special tool #6893A, Kit, Power Steering). Refer to SPECIAL TOOLS .

1. Check power steering belt to ensure it is in good condition and adjusted properly.
   Fig 1: Analyzer Setup To Test At Pump

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
2. Assemble Power Steering Analyzer as follows:
   1. Gauge end (inlet) of Flow Meter And Gauge (special tool #6800, Analyzer, Power Steering) (3) - Hose (special tool #6905, Assembly, Hose) (6), Hose (special tool #6713, Hose, Power Steering) (4), Adapter Tube (special tool #6844, Adapter, Power Steering (Truck)) (5)
   2. Valve end (outlet) of Flow Meter And Gauge (special tool #6800, Analyzer, Power Steering) (3) - Hose (special tool #6959, Assembly, Hose) (1), Adapter Fitting (special tool #6826, Adapter, LH P/S Tester) (2)
3. Unthread pressure hose tube nut at power steering pump.
4. Connect Adapter Tube (special tool #6844, Adapter, Power Steering (Truck)) to pressure fitting on power steering pump. Tighten tube nut to specifications. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
5. Connect power steering pressure hose to Adapter Fitting (special tool #6826, Adapter, LH P/S Tester). Tighten tube nut to specifications. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
6. Open Analyzer test valve completely.
7. Start engine and allow to idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through Analyzer flow meter and hoses.
8. Shut off engine and check fluid level; add fluid as necessary. Repeat  7 until air is bled from system. 8.
9. Start engine and allow to idle.
10. Check Analyzer gauge (3) pressure. Initial pressure reading should be less than 1379 kPa (300 psi). If pressure is higher, inspect hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary.
11. Increase engine speed to 1, 200 RPM for SRT8 and read Analyzer Flow Meter. The reading should be 8.2 LPM (2.2 GPM) minimum. If flow reading is below specification, replace power steering pump.
    CAUTION:

    The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed for more than five seconds as the pump could be damaged.

12. Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other. 
    • Power steering pump pressures above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
    • Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other but below specifications, replace pump.
    CAUTION:

    Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to 4 seconds at a time because, pump damage will result.

13. Completely open the valve on the Power Steering Analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to the extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is met, then turn the steering wheel to the right until the right stop is met. Record the highest indicated pressure at each position. Compare the recorded readings to the specifications. If the highest recorded output pressure reading against one stop is not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of the highest recorded reading at the other stop, the steering gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.