Pressure Testing
- Reservoir must be kept full and at normal operating temperature during testing. Attach tester between pressure line and pump with gauge between pump and tester valve. Start engine and let idle for 2 minutes.
- With engine idling and fluid hot, record pressure (with tester valve open) and flow. If flow is less than 1.5 gals. (5.68L) per minute, pump may require service. However, proceed with testing at this point.
- If pressure is more than 150 psi (10.5 kg/cm2
), check hoses for restrictions. Partially close tester valve. Allow pressure to increase to 740 psi (52 kg/cm2
). Record flow. If flow is less than minimum, pump cam pack requires replacement. Proceed with testing.
- Close and partially open tester valve 3 times. Tester valve must not remain closed over 5 seconds. Observe and record pressure each time valve is closed. If readings vary more than 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm2
), flow control valve may be sticking.
- If pressure is less than minimum specification, replace flow control valve. If pressure is more than maximum specification, remove flow control valve. Clean or replace flow control valve as necessary.
- Increase engine speed to about 1500 RPM. Observe and record flow. If flow exceeds maximum free flow listed in chart, remove flow control valve. Clean or replace flow control valve as necessary.
- Return engine to idle speed. Turn wheel from stop to stop. Observe and record flow at both stops. Pressure readings should be near maximum pressure specification listed in chart.
- Flow should drop to less than .5 gals. (1.9L) per minute. If pressure fails to reach maximum or if flow does not drop to less than .5 gals. (1.9L) per minute, excessive internal leakage of steering gear is occurring.
- With engine running, attach pull scale to rim of steering wheel. Measure pull required to turn wheel one complete revolution in each direction. Pull should be approximately 9 lbs. (2.25 kg) during turning.
POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Pressure (psi) |
| Idle Pressure |
| All Models |
150 |
| Relief Pressure |
| 1.9L All Models |
850-1030 |
| 2.2L & 3.0L Probe |
1066-1138 |
| 2.3L Tempo,Topaz, 5.0L Town Car 5.8L Police |
1200-1380 |
| 2.3L Mustang & Thunderbird |
950-1130 |
| 2.5L & 3.0L Sable & Taurus |
1200-1480 |
| 3.0L SHO Sable & Taurus |
1400-1530 |
| 3.8L Continental |
1300-1530 |
| 3.8L Cougar & Thunderbird |
| With Handling Package |
1200-1380 |
| Without Handling Package |
950-1230 |
| 3.8L Sable & Taurus |
1300-1530 |
| 5.0L Cougar & Thunderbird |
950-1230 |
| 5.0L Crown Victoria & Grand Marquis |
1100-1380 |
| 5.0L Mustang |
1050-1230 |
| 5.0L Mark VII |
1300-1480 |
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.) |
| 1.9L All Models |
| Minimum |
1.10 (4.2) |
| Maximum |
2.20 (8.4) |
| 2.2L & 3.0L Probe |
| Minimum |
|
| Maximum |
|
| 2.3L Tempo & Topaz |
| Minimum |
.95 (3.6) |
| Maximum |
2.20 (8.4) |
| 2.3L Mustang & Thunderbird |
| Minimum |
1.30 (4.9) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.9) |
| 2.5L, 3.0L, 3.0L SHO & 3.8L Sable & Taurus |
| Minimum |
.90 (3.4) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.9) |
| 3.8L Continental & 5.0L Crown Victoria & Grand Marquis |
| Minimum |
1.50 (5.7) |
| Maximum |
3.00 (11.4) |
| 3.8L Cougar & Thunderbird |
| With Handling Package |
| Minimum |
1.25 (4.8) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.9) |
| Without Handling Package |
| Minimum |
1.40 (5.3) |
| Maximum |
3.00 (11.4) |
| 5.0L Cougar & Thunderbird, 5.0L Mustang Auto. Trans. |
| Minimum |
1.40 (5.3) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.9) |
| 5.0L Mustang Man. Trans. |
| Minimum |
1.35 (5.1) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.9) |
| 5.0L Mark VII |
| Minimum |
1.60 (6.1) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.9) |
| 5.0L Town Car & 5.8L Police |
| Minimum |
1.50 (5.7) |
| Maximum |
3.40 (12.9) |