Steering Pump Pressure Testing

NOTE: Before testing pressure, check fluid level, belt tension, pump pulley, tire pressure and engine idle speed.

Reservoir must be kept full and at normal operating temperature during testing. Attach Power Steering System Tester (014-00207) between pressure line and pump with gauge between pump and tester valve. Start engine and let idle for 2 minutes. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Testing Power Steering Pump
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
With engine idling and fluid hot, record pressure (with tester valve open) and flow. On Continental, Sable and Taurus (non SHO), if flow is less than 1.5 gals. (5.68L) per minute, pump may require service.
On Taurus SHO, if flow is less than 2.2 gals. (8.3L) per minute, pump may require service. However, proceed with testing at this point. If idle pressure is greater 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, replace pump cam pack. 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 pressure is greater than maximum specification, remove flow control valve. Clean or replace flow control valve as necessary.

POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS

Application	psi (kg/cm² )
Idle Pressure	150 (10.5)
Relief Pressure	1300-1480 (91-104)

POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS (SABLE & TAURUS)

Application	psi (kg/cm² )
Idle Pressure	150 (10.5)
Relief Pressure	1400-1530 (98-107)

Increase engine speed to about 1500 RPM. Observe and record flow. If flow exceeds maximum free flow listed in appropriate POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS table, remove flow control valve. Clean or replace flow control valve as necessary.

POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS

Application	Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.)
Minimum	1.5 (5.68)
Maximum	3.0 (11.36)

POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS

Application	Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.)
Minimum	.9 (3.4)
Maximum	2.6 (9.8)

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 appropriate POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table.
Flow should drop to less than .5 gal. (1.9L) per minute. If pressure fails to reach maximum or if flow does not drop to less than .5 gal. (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. (4.05 kg) during turning.