Checking the fluid level
Check the power steering fluid level.
Top up the fluid level if necessary.
Power steering fluid ATF M III or equivalent (e.g. Dexron®II).
Fluid Leak Check
Start the engine and leave it to idle.
Turn the steering wheel left and right as far as it will go to increase the fluid pressure.
Attention! If you hold the steering wheel fully turned for more than 5 seconds, the temperature of the working fluid will increase significantly, which will adversely affect the operation of the power steering pump.
Check for fluid leakage.
If a leak is found, replace the associated piping or hose.
Pic. 5.3. Places of possible leaks of the hydraulic booster fluid
Note. Possible places of fluid leakage are shown by arrows in figure 5.3.
Checking the pressure of the working fluid in the hydraulic system
Pic. 5.4. A special device for measuring the pressure of the working fluid in the hydraulic system
Assemble the special tools as shown in figure 5.4.
Pic. 5.5. Connecting the instrument to the hydraulic booster pump hoses
Disconnect the pressure pipe from the power steering pump and connect special tools (pic. 5.5).
Tightening torque: 29.4 - 44.1 Nm.
Remove air from the system.
Fully open the valve.
Start the engine and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right to raise the fluid temperature to 50-60°C.
Close the valve completely. Increase the engine speed to 1000-1500 min-1 and measure the pressure generated by the pump (pic. 5.6).
Pic. 5.6. Checking the pressure with the valve closed
If the pressure is not correct, repair or replace the power steering pump parts.
Working fluid pressure: 10.80–11.29 MPa.
Attention! If the valve is left closed for more than 5 seconds, the temperature of the working fluid will increase significantly, which will adversely affect the operation of the power steering pump.
Fully open gauge valve and increase engine speed to 1000-1500 min-1 (pic. 5.7).
Pic. 5.7. Checking the pressure with the valve open
Turn the steering wheel left and right until it stops, then measure the fluid pressure in the steering gear housing.
If pressure is not correct, repair or replace steering gear parts.
Working fluid pressure: 10.80–11.29 MPa.
Remove special tools. Install the pressure pipe and tighten it to the prescribed torque.
Tightening torque: 29.4 - 44.1 Nm.
Remove air from the system.