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 and flow, with tester valve open. See POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
. If flow is less than specification, pump may require service. Proceed with testing before servicing any component.
- If idle pressure is more than specification, check hoses for restrictions. See POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
. 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 more than 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 relief pressure is less than minimum specification, replace flow control valve. If relief 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. See appropriate POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS TABLE. If flow exceeds maximum free flow specification, 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. Relief pressure readings should be near maximum pressure specification listed in table.
- 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. Repair or replace steering gear.
- With engine idling, attach pull scale to rim of steering wheel. Measure pull required to turn wheel one complete revolution in each direction. Turning effort should be approximately 9 lbs. (2.25 kg).
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.) |
| Minimum |
1.3 (4.9) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.8) |
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.) |
| 1.8L |
|
| 1.9L |
| Minimum |
1.10 (4.2) |
| Maximum |
2.20 (8.4) |
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.) |
| Minimum |
1.60 (6.1) |
| Maximum |
2.95 (11.2) |
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.) |
| Minimum |
2.20 (8.3) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.8) |
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.) |
| Minimum |
.90 (3.4) |
| Maximum |
2.60 (9.8) |
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.) |
| 2.3L |
| Minimum |
.95 (3.6) |
| Maximum |
2.20 (8.4) |
| 3.0L |
| Minimum |
.66 (2.5) |
| Maximum |
2.4 (9.1) |
POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
psi (kg/cm2
) |
| Idle Pressure |
| All Models |
150 (10.5) |
| Relief Pressure |
| Cougar & Thunderbird |
1200-1380 (84.4-97) |
| Escort & Tracer 1.8L |
1067 (75.0) |
| Escort & Tracer 1.9L |
850-1030 (59.8-72.4) |
| Mark VII |
1300-1480 (91.4-104.1) |
| Mustang 2.3L |
950-1130 (66.8-79.5) |
| Mustang 5.0L |
1050-1230 (73.8-86.5) |
| Sable & Taurus |
1200-1480 (84.4-104.1) |
| Tempo & Topaz 2.3L |
1200-1380 (84.4-97) |
| Tempo & Topaz 3.0L |
1280-1380 (89.9-97) |