Checking Hydraulic System

Before starting, check belt tension, driving pulley and tire pressure.

1. Set Tool. Open shut-off valve, then bleed air. Refer to BLEEDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM  .
2. Run engine at idle speed or 1000 RPM.
   • Make sure fluid temperature in reservoir tank rises to 60 - 80°C (140 - 176°F)  .
   WARNING: Warm up engine with shut-off valve fully opened. If engine is started with shut-off valve closed, fluid pressure in the power steering pump increases to maximum. This will raise fluid temperature abnormally.
   Fig 1: Checking Hydraulic System

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
3. Check pressure with steering wheel fully turned to left and right positions while idling at 1000 RPM.
   CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at full lock position for more than 15 seconds.
   1. Power steering pump maximum operating pressure: 7551 - 8336 kPa (77 - 85 kg/cm ²  , 1095 - 1209 psi) at idle  .
   • If pressure reaches maximum operating pressure, system is OK.
   • If pressure increases above maximum operating pressure, check power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to COMPONENTS  .
4. If power steering pressure is below the maximum operating pressure, slowly close shut-off valve and check pressure again.
   CAUTION: Do not close shut-off valve for more than 15 seconds.
   • If pressure increases to maximum operating pressure, gear is damaged. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  .
   • If pressure remains below maximum operating pressure, pump is damaged. Refer to COMPONENTS  .
5. After checking hydraulic system, remove tool and add fluid as necessary. Completely bleed air out of system. Refer to BLEEDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM  .