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Home >> Dodge and Ram >> 2006 >> Stratus R/T >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Steering Column >> Steering System >> Steering >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Diagnosis And Testing - Power Steering Flow And Pressure Test >> Test Procedure
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Test Procedure

  1. Check belt tension and adjust as necessary.
  2. Completely open valve on Power Steering Analyzer.
  3. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through the analyzer and hoses, until the air is completely bled out of the fluid. Shut off engine.
  4. Check power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
  5. The analyzer gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi). If above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary. The initial pressure should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi). The flow meter should read between 1.3 and 1.6 GPM.
    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.
  6. 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. 
    NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pressure is 8240 to 8920 kPa (1195 to 1293 psi.).
    1. Power steering pump pressure's are above specifications, but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
    2. Pressure's are 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.
  7. 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 output pressures are not the same against either stop, the steering gear is leaking internally and must be replaced.
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