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Except Probe

  1. Reservoir must be kept full and at normal operating temperature during testing. Attach tester between pressure line and pump, ensuring gauge is between pump and tester valve. Start engine and let idle for 2 minutes.
  2. With engine idling and fluid hot, record pressure and flow with tester valve open. See POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW SPECIFICATIONS . If flow is less than specification, pump may require service. Proceed with testing before servicing any component.
  3. If pressure at idle is more than specification, check hoses for restrictions. See POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS . 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.
  4. Close and partially open tester valve 3 times. Tester valve must not remain closed more than 5 seconds. Observe and record relief pressure each time valve is closed. If readings are not correct, replace flow control valve.
  5. Increase engine speed to about 1500 RPM. Observe and record flow. See POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW SPECIFICATIONS . If flow exceeds maximum free flow specification, remove flow control valve. Clean or replace flow control valve as necessary.
  6. 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.
  7. 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. Repair or replace steering gear.
  8. With engine idling, attach pull scale to rim of steering wheel. Measure pull required to turn wheel one complete revolution in each direction. On Escort and Tracer, maximum turning effort should be approximately 3 lbs. (1.4 kg). On Continental, Cougar, Mustang, Sable, Thunderbird and Taurus maximum turning effort should be approximately 5 lbs. (2.3 kg). On Contour and Mystique, maximum turning effort should be approximately 2.6-3.0 lbs. (1.2-1.4 kg). On Probe, maximum turning effort should be approximately 6.3-6.5 lbs. (2.9 kg). On Mark VIII, maximum turning effort should be approximately 2.0-2.6 lbs. (.9-1.2 kg).
POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

Application psi (kg/cm2 )
Idle Pressure
Except Probe 150 (10.5)
Relief Pressure
Continental (1)
Contour & Mystique - 2.0L 1050-1230 (73.8-86.5)
Contour & Mystique - 2.5L 1050-1380 (73.8-97.0)
Escort & Tracer 1120-1250 (77.3-84.4)
Mark VIII 1200-1380 (84.4-97.0)
Mustang - 3.8L 1050-1230 (73.8-86.5)
Mustang - 4.6L 1200-1380 (84.4-97.0)
Probe 1210-1270 (85.1-89.3)
Taurus & Sable - 3.0L 1300-1480 (91.4-104.1)
Taurus & Sable - 3.4L 1470-1590 (103.4-111.8)
Thunderbird & Cougar 1200-1380 (84.4-97.0)
(1) Information is not available.
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW SPECIFICATIONS

Application Flow: Gals./Min. (L/Min.)
Continental
Minimum 1.7 (6.4)
Maximum 2.7 (10.2)
Contour & Mystique - 2.0L
Minimum .9 (3.4)
Maximum 2.6 (9.8)
Contour & Mystique - 2.5L
Minimum 1.25 (4.7)
Maximum 2.6 (9.8)
Escort & Tracer
Minimum 1.5 (5.7)
Maximum 2.2 (8.3)
Mark VIII
Minimum 1.4 (5.3)
Maximum 2.7 (10.2)
Mustang - 3.8L
Minimum .9 (3.4)
Maximum 2.6 (9.8)
Mustang - 4.6L
Minimum 1.25 (4.7)
Maximum 2.6 (9.8)
Probe (1)
Taurus & Sable - 3.0L
Minimum .9 (3.4)
Maximum 2.6 (9.8)
Taurus & Sable - 3.4L
Minimum 2.0 (7.6)
Maximum 2.3 (8.7)
Thunderbird & Cougar - 3.8L
Minimum .95 (3.6)
Maximum 2.6 (9.8)
Thunderbird & Cougar - 4.6L
Minimum 1.4 (5.3)
Maximum 2.7 (10.2)
(1) Information is not available.