Power Steering Flow And Pressure Test- Non 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), Adapters from Power Steering Analyzer Adapter Kit (special tool #6893A, Kit, Power Steering), and Power Steering Adapter (special tool #10250, Adapters, Power Steering). Refer to SPECIAL TOOLS .

1. Assemble Power Steering Analyzer as follows:
   1. Gauge end (inlet) of Flow Meter And Gauge (special tool #6800, Analyzer, Power Steering) - Hose (special tool #6905, Assembly, Hose), Adapter (special tool #10250-1, Adapters, Power Steering).
   2. Valve end (outlet) of Flow Meter And Gauge (special tool #6800, Analyzer, Power Steering) - Hose (special tool #6959, Assembly, Hose), Adapter (special tool #10250-2, Adapters, Power Steering).
   Fig 1: Pressure Hose Retaining Bolt & (EHPS) Pump

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable from battery post.

2. Raise and support vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
3. Remove the right front wheelhouse splash shield. Refer to SHIELD, SPLASH, FRONT WHEELHOUSE, REMOVAL .
4. Unthread pressure hose retaining bolt (1) at Electro Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) pump (3).
5. Connect Adapter (special tool #10250-1, Adapters, Power Steering) to pressure fitting on power steering pump. Tighten retaining bolt to 10 N.m (89 in. lbs.)
6. Connect power steering pressure hose to Adapter Fitting (special tool #10250-2, Adapters, Power Steering). Tighten retaining bolt to 10 N.m (89 in. lbs.).
7. Open Analyzer test valve completely.
8. Start engine and move the steering wheel back and forth several times to circulate power steering fluid through Analyzer flow meter and hoses.
9. Shut off engine and check fluid level; add fluid as necessary. Repeat  8 and  9 until air is bled from system.
10. Start engine and allow to idle.
11. Check Analyzer gauge pressure. Initial pressure reading should be less than 862 kPa (125 psi). If pressure is higher, inspect hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary.
    NOTE:

    Always test for and repair Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) prior to replacement of the EHPS pump. The EHPS pump will not vary output if there are communication DTCs.

12. Record the flow meter reading (GPM) at idle with no steering wheel movement, and again while turning the wheel as fast as possible. The readings should be within specifications. If the readings are below specifications, replace the 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.