Pump Flow and Pressure Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Do not touch the flowmeter during the test procedure or for several minutes after use. The flowmeter may become hot during use and can burn unprotected skin. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: For power steering pump flow, pressure and relief pressure specifications, refer to General Specifications/Power Steering Pump in this article.

NOTE: Make sure the connection point does not interfere with any of the engine accessory drive components or drive belts. Damage to the analyzer or accessory drive components may occur.

Install the power steering analyzer at the high-pressure port of the power steering pump. Make sure the power steering analyzer gate valve is fully open.
Place the Dial Thermometer 0-220 °F in the power steering pump reservoir.
Check the power steering fluid level. If necessary, add specified power steering fluid.
Install a digital tachometer.
NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 5 seconds. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

Start the engine. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. Set the parking brake. Raise the power steering fluid temperature to 74-80 °C (165-175 °F) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
With the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position, set the engine at idle. Record the flow rate and pressure readings.
- If the flow rate is below the flow rate specification, continue with the test procedure.
- If the pressure reading is above the pressure specification, check the power steering hoses for kinks and restrictions.
Partially close the gate valve to obtain 5171 kPa (750 psi). Set the engine speed at idle. Record the flow rate.
- If the flow is less than the specified flow rate, install a new power steering pump.
NOTE: Do not allow the gate valve to remain closed for more than 5 seconds. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

Completely close and partially open the gate valve 3 times. Record the pressure relief valve actuation pressure reading.
- If the pressure does not meet the relief pressure specification, then install a new power steering pump.
Set engine speed to 2, 100 RPM. Record the flow rate.
- If the flow rate varies more than 3.785L/min (1 gal/min) from the initial flow rate reading, install a new power steering pump.
NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 5 seconds. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

Turn the vehicle wheels to full left turn stop.
- Evaluate/record the pressure
NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 5 seconds. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

Turn the vehicle wheels to full right turn stop.
- Evaluate/record the pressure
Properly working poppets do not allow the pump to see relief pressure at or near full turn steer stops. The maximum pressure at the stops is approximately 2, 100 psi.
Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly while watching the pressure gauge.
- The pressure reading should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap back as the steering wheel is released.
- If the pressure returns slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking or the steering column is binding. Check the steering column and linkages before repairing the steering gear.