stop start DODGE NEON 1999 Service Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 1999, Model line: NEON, Model: DODGE NEON 1999Pages: 1200, PDF Size: 35.29 MB
Page 911 of 1200

Rectangular pumping vanes in the shaft driven
rotor, move power steering fluid from the intake to
the cam ring pressure cavities of the power steering
pump. As the rotor begins to turn, centrifugal force
throws the vanes against the inside surface of the
cam ring to pickup residual oil. This oil is then forced
into the high pressure area. As more oil is picked up
by the vanes, the additional oil is forced into the cav-
ities of the thrust plate through two crossover holes
in the cam ring and pressure plate. The crossover
holes empty into the high pressure area between the
pressure plate and the housing end cover.
As the high pressure area is filled, oil flows under
the vanes in the rotor slots, forcing the vanes to fol-
low the inside surface of the cam ring. As the vanes
reach the restricted area of the cam ring, oil is forced
out from between the vanes. When excess oil flow is
generated during high-speed operation, a regulated
amount of oil returns to the pump intake side
through a flow control valve. The flow control valve
reduces the power required to drive the pump and
holds down temperature build-up.
When steering conditions exceed maximum pres-
sure requirements, such as when the wheels are
turned against the stops. The pressure built up in
the steering gear exerts pressure on the spring end of
the flow control valve. The high pressure lifts the
relief valve ball from its seat and allows oil to flow
through a trigger orifice located in the outlet fitting.
This reduces pressure on the spring end of the flow
control valve which then opens and allows the oil to
return to the intake side of the pump. This action
limits maximum pressure output of the pump to a
safe level.
Under normal power steering pump operating con-
ditions, pressure requirements of the pump are below
maximum, causing the pressure relief valve to
remain closed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
POWER STEERING SYSTEM TEST PROCEDURE
The following procedure can be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on the vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-
sure. This test is to be performed any time a power
steering system problem is present to determine if
the power steering pump or power steering gear is
not functioning properly. The following pressure and
flow test is performed using Pressure/Flow Tester,
Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 2).
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Check power steering pump drive belt tension
and adjust as necessary.
(2) Disconnect power steering fluid pressure hose,
at power steering pump. Use a container for dripping
fluid.
(3) Connect Pressure Gauge, Special Tool from kit
6815 (Fig. 3) to both hoses using adapter fittings.
Connect spare pressure hose, to power steering pump
pressure hose banjo fitting.
(4) Completely open valve on Special Tool 6815
(Fig. 3).
(5) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
and get air out of fluid. Then shut off engine.
(6) Check power steering fluid level, and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
(7) Pressure gauge should read below 862 kPa
(125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions
and repair as necessary. The initial pressure reading
Fig. 2 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
Fig. 3 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
Connected To Power Steering Pump
19 - 10 STEERINGPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Page 912 of 1200

should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
The flow meter should read between 1.3 and 1.4
GPM
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing power steering pump maximum pressure
output and flow control valve operation. Do not
leave valve closed for more than 5 seconds as the
pump could be damaged.
(8) Close valve fully three times and record high-
est pressure indicated each time.All three read-
ings must be above specifications and within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 8240 to 8920 kPa (1195 to 1293 psi.).
²If power steering pump pressures above specifi-
cations but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other,
then replace power steering pump.
²If pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other but below specifications, then replace power
steering pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate
against the stops for more than 5 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
(9) Open test valve. Turn steering wheel to the
extreme left and right positions until against the
stops, recording the highest indicated pressure at
each position. Compare pressure gauge readings to
power steering pump specifications. If highest output
pressures are not the same against either stop, the
steering gear is leaking internally and must be
replaced.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL CHECK
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY FROM
MOVING PARTS. DO NOT USE AUTOMATIC TRANS-
MISSION FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING SYS-
TEM. DO NOT OVERFILL THE POWER STEERING
SYSTEM.
Wipe reservoir filler cap free of dirt. Then check
fluid level. The dipstick should indicate COLD when
fluid is at normal ambient temperature, approxi-
mately 21ÉC to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF). In all pumps add
fluid as necessary, use onlyMopar Power Steering
Fluid, or equivalent. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE
OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
POWER STEERING PUMP INITIAL OPERATION
CAUTION: The fluid level should be checked with
engine off to prevent injury from moving compo-
nents. Use only MoparTPower Steering Fluid. Do
not use automatic transmission fluid. Do not over-
fill.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicateFULL COLDwhen the
fluid is at normal temperature of approximately 21ÉC
to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF).
(1) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(2) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(3) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(4) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(5) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops.
(6) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(7) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(8) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and refill
as required.
(9) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW CONTROL VALVE
SEAL
The power steering pump does not require removal
from the engine for removal and replacement of the
flow control valve fitting O-Ring.
REMOVE
(1) Remove the power steering fluid pressure hose
from the power steering pump pressure fitting (Fig.
4).
(2) Remove the flow control valve fitting from the
power steering pump housing (Fig. 5).Prevent flow
control valve and spring from sliding out of
housing bore.
(3) Remove and discard O-ring seal from fitting.
INSTALL
(1) If necessary, clean and install flow control
valve and spring in pump housing bore.
(2) Install new O-ring seal on fitting.
(3) Install fitting in pump housing and tighten to
75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.)
(4) Install power steering fluid pressure hose on
flow control valve fitting.
PLSTEERING 19 - 11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
Page 914 of 1200

REMOVE
CAUTION: When removing and installing the
power steering pressure switch, the use of a 7/8
inch deep well socket is required. The deep well
socket will prevent damage to the plastic, electrical
connector area, of the power steering pressure
switch.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from the neg-
ative post of the battery. Be sure cable is isolated
from negative post on battery.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Locate power steering pressure switch (Fig. 7)
on back side of power steering gear.
(4) Remove vehicle wiring harness connector (Fig.
7), from power steering pressure switch.
(5) Remove power steering pressure switch, from
power steering gear.
INSTALL
CAUTION: When installing the power steering
pressure switch in the steering gear, do not exceed
the torque specification shown in step 1 below.
Over-torquing will result in stripping the threads out
of the power steering pressure switch port on the
steering gear.
(1) By hand, install the power steering pressure
switch into the power steering gear until fully seated.
Then tighten the power steering pressure switch to a
maximum torque of 8 N´m (70 in. lbs.).
(2) Install vehicle wiring harness connector (Fig. 7)
onto power steering pressure switch. Be sure latch on
wiring harness connector is fully engaged with lock-
ing tab on power steering pressure switch.CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid
in power steering system. Only use MoparT, Power
Steering Fluid, or equivalent.
(3) Fill power steering reservoir to correct fluid
level.
(4) Connect negative cable back on negative post of
battery.
(5) Start engine and turn steering wheel several
times from stop to stop to bleed air from fluid in sys-
tem. Stop engine, check fluid level, and inspect sys-
tem for leaks. See Checking Fluid Level.
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
CAUTION: Cap all open ends of hoses, power
steering pump fittings and steering gear ports to
prevent entry of foreign material into the compo-
nents.
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
For part reference and part location on the vehicle
being serviced, refer to the following figure numbers.
These figures show the hose bracket locations, hose
routings and fitting locations. Use these figure num-
bers when referring to the removal or installation
procedures for the power steering hoses listed below.
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove bolt attaching power steering hose
routing bracket to front suspension crossmember
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 7 Power Steering Pressure Switch Location On
Steering Gear
Fig. 8 Power Steering Hose Routing Bracket
PLSTEERING 19 - 13
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 916 of 1200

(8) Correctly route power steering pressure hose
avoiding tight bends or kinking of the hose. Install
power steering pressure hose to generator shield
routing clip attaching screw (Fig. 11)but do not
tighten at this time.
(9) Raise vehicle.
CAUTION: Hoses must remain away from exhaust
system, vehicle components and unfriendly sur-
faces causing possible damage to power steering
hoses.
(10) Route power steering pressure hose to pres-
sure port on power steering gear. Install power steer-
ing pressure hose, on steering gear and loosely
install tube nut into steering gear (Fig. 9).Tighten
and torque tube nut after routing bracket is
installed, correctly positioning hoses in vehicle.(11) Install the power steering pressure and return
hose routing clip on hoses (Fig. 8). Install bolt attach-
ing routing clip to front suspension crossmember.
Torque routing clip to front suspension crossmember
attaching bolt to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.)
(12) Torque power steering pressure hose to steer-
ing gear tube nut to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install power steering pressure hose in rout-
ing clip on generator shield (Fig. 10).
(14) Lower Vehicle.
(15) Position locating pin on power steering pres-
sure hose banjo fitting so it is against power steering
pump mounting bracket (Fig. 12). While holding
locating pin against power steering pump bracket,
torque pump end Banjo bolt to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(16) Securely tighten bolt attaching power steering
pressure hose bracket to generator shield.
(17) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(18) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above pro-
cedure until the fluid level remains constant after
running the engine.
(19) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(20) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops. Then turn the engine off.
(21) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(22) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(23) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(24) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
(25) After hose is installed, check for leaks at all
hose connections.POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
CAUTION: Cap all open ends of hoses, power
steering pump fittings and steering gear ports to
prevent entry of foreign material into the compo-
nents.
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove hose clamp, attaching return hose to
steel tube at power steering gear (Fig. 15). Let power
Fig. 13 O-ring Installed On Power Steering Hose
Banjo Fitting
Fig. 14 O-ring Installed On Banjo Fitting Bolt
PLSTEERING 19 - 15
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 918 of 1200

installed on return hose past upset bead on
power steering fluid reservoir.
(3) Raise vehicle.
(4) Clip power steering return hose and pressure
hose together (Fig. 17).
(5) Install power steering return hose on steel tube
at power steering gear (Fig. 15). Install hose clamp
on power steering return hose at power steering gear
(Fig. 15).Be sure hose clamp is installed on
return hose past upset bead on steel tube at
power gear.
(6) Install power steering return hose on routing
clip at generator shield (Fig. 16).
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(9) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(10) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(11) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops. Then turn the engine off.
(12) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(13) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(14) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(15) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
(16) After hose is installed, check for leaks at all
hose connections.
POWER STEERING FLUID SUPPLY HOSE
RESERVOIR TO POWER STEERING PUMP
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
REMOVE
CAUTION: Care must be used when removing the
power steering fluid supply hose from power steer-
ing fluid reservoir. If excessive force is used when
trying to remove hose from nipple on power steer-
ing fluid reservoir, nipple can break off of the res-
ervoir.
(1) Remove hose clamp, attaching power steering
fluid supply hose to power steering fluid reservoir(Fig. 19). Then remove power steering fluid supply
hose from power steering fluid reservoir.
(2) Remove hose clamp, attaching power steering
fluid supply hose to the power steering pump (Fig.
20). Then remove power steering fluid supply hose
from power steering pump fitting.
(3) Remove power steering fluid supply hose from
engine.INSTALL
(1) Install power steering fluid supply hose back
on engine making sure it is correctly routed.
CAUTION: Care must be used when installing
power steering fluid supply hose on power steering
fluid reservoir. If excessive force is used when try-
ing to install hose on nipple of power steering fluid
reservoir, nipple can be broken off the reservoir.
Fig. 19 Power Steering Fluid Supply Hose At
Reservoir
Fig. 20 Power Steering Fluid Supply Hose At Power
Steering Pump
PLSTEERING 19 - 17
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 919 of 1200

(2) Install power steering fluid supply hose on
power steering fluid reservoir fitting. Install hose
clamp on power steering fluid supply hose at power
steering fluid reservoir (Fig. 19).Be sure hose
clamp is installed on return hose past upset
bead on power steering fluid reservoir.
(3) Install power steering fluid supply hose on
power steering pump fitting. Install hose clamp on
power steering fluid supply hose at power steering
pump fitting (Fig. 20).Be sure hose clamp is
installed on power steering fluid supply hose
past upset bead on power steering pump fit-
ting.
(4) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(5) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(6) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(7) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops. Then turn the engine off.
(8) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(9) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(10) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(11) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
(12) After hose is installed, check for leaks at all
hose connections.
POWER STEERING PUMP (ALL ENGINES)
WARNING: POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE COM-
PONENTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES, OR ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
The power steering pump removal procedure and
pump and bracket fastener locations are the same for
both engine applications used for this vehicle. The
front power steering pump bracket must be removed
as an assembly with the power steering pump and
removed from the pump after removing the pulley
from the power steering pump.
REMOVE
(1) Remove battery cable from (-) negative post on
battery.
(2) Remove Banjo Bolt and power steering fluid
pressure hose from pressure fitting on power steering
pump (Fig. 21).(3) Discard all used O-rings on the power steering
pressure hose Banjo fitting and Banjo bolt.
(4) Remove hose clamp attaching power steering
fluid supply hose to the power steering pump suction
fitting (Fig. 22). Remove power steering fluid supply
hose from power steering pump fitting.
(5) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See hoisting in the Lubrica-
tion And Maintenance Section of this service manual
for the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with a dual over-
head cam engine, the bolt attaching the coolant
tube to the intake manifold needs to be removed.
Refer to following step for required procedure.
(6) Remove the bolt attaching the coolant tube
(Fig. 23) to the bottom of the intake manifold.The
Fig. 21 Power Steering Hose Attachment To Power
Steering Pump
Fig. 22 Power Steering Fluid Supply Hose At Power
Steering Pump
19 - 18 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 921 of 1200

drive belt tension. See Accessory Drive Belts in
Group 7 Cooling System of this service manual for
the correct drive belt tension specification. When cor-
rect drive belt tension is obtained torque the 2 bolts
at the power steering pump cast mounting bracket
(Fig. 24) to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.). Then torque the front
power steering pump mounting bracket bolt (Fig. 25)
to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install power steering supply hose on power
steering pump suction fitting (Fig. 22). Install hose
clamp on hose, being sure hose clamp is installed on
hose past upset bead on power steering pump tube.
(7) Using a lint free towel, wipe clean all open
power steering hose ends, and power steering pump
fittings.
(8) Install a new O-ring on the end of the power
steering pressure hose banjo fitting (Fig. 28).(9) Install a new O-ring (Fig. 29) on power steering
fluid pressure hose banjo fitting bolt.
(10) Lubricate both O-rings using fresh clean
power steering fluid.
(11) Install banjo bolt into the power steering pres-
sure hose banjo fitting.
(12) Attach power steering pressure hose on outlet
fitting of the power steering pump (Fig. 21).
(13) Position locating pin on power steering pres-
sure hose banjo fitting so it is against power steering
pump mounting bracket (Fig. 21). While holding
locating pin against power steering pump bracket,
torque pump end Banjo bolt to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid
in power steering system. Only use MoparT, Power
Steering Fluid, or equivalent.
(14) Fill power steering reservoir to correct fluid
level.
(15) Connect negative cable back on negative post
of battery.
(16) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(17) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above pro-
cedure until the fluid level remains constant after
running the engine.
(18) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(19) Start engine, then slowly turn steering wheel
right and left several times until lightly contacting
the wheel stops. Then turn the engine off.
(20) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(21) Lower the vehicle. Start engine again and
turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock.
(22) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
Fig. 27 Setting Power Steering Pump Drive Belt
Tension
Fig. 28 O-Ring Installed On Power Steering Hose
Banjo Fitting
Fig. 29 O-Ring Installed On Banjo Fitting Bolt
19 - 20 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 923 of 1200

(8)If vehicle is equipped with the dual over-
head cam engine,remove the 2 nuts (Fig. 35)
attaching the power steering fluid reservoir to the
cylinder head .
(9) Remove power steering fluid reservoir from
vehicle.
INSTALL
(1) Install power steering fluid reservoir on cylin-
der head. Install and securely tighten the power
steering fluid reservoir to cylinder head attaching
bolts (Fig. 34) or. (Fig. 35).
(2) Install the power steering fluid return and sup-
ply hose, on the power steering fluid reservoir fit-
tings (Fig. 33).Be sure both hose clamps are
installed on hose past upset bead on power
steering reservoir fittings.
(3) Install engine coolant recovery system tank on
dash panel of vehicle. Install and securely tighten
attaching bolts (Fig. 32).(4) Install the coolant overflow hose from the cool-
ant recovery system (CRS) tank (Fig. 31)
(5) Raise vehicle.
(6) Install power steering return hose, on the steel
tube at the power steering gear (Fig. 30).Be sure
hose clamp is installed on hose past upset bead
on power steering gear steel tube.
(7) Fill power steering pump fluid reservoir to the
proper level.
(8) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(9) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(10) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(11) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops. Then turn the engine off.
(12) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(13) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(14) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(15) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE PULLEY
The power steering pump must be removed from
the vehicle for removal of the power steering pump
pulley. Refer to Power Steering Pump Removal in the
Power Steering Pump Service Procedures section in
this group of the service manual.
REMOVE
(1) Remove power steering pump from engine.
Refer to Power Steering Pump Removal in the Power
Steering Pump Service Procedures section in this
group of the service manual for required procedure.
CAUTION: Do not hammer on power steering
pump pulley or shaft to remove power steering
pump pulley. This will damage the pulley and the
power steering pump.
(2) Mount power steering pump in a vise using the
power steering pump mounting bracket (Fig. 36).
Install Puller, Special Tool C-4333 or C- 4068 on
power steering pump pulley (Fig. 36). Remove the
power steering pump pulley from the power steering
pump shaft.
(3) Replace power steering pump pulley if bent,
cracked, or loose.
Fig. 34 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Hoses And
Mounting
Fig. 35 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Mounting
19 - 22 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Page 928 of 1200

However, under these conditions, steering effort will
be increased.
NOTE: The power steering gear (Fig. 1) should NOT
be serviced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak
occurs with the steering gear, the complete steering
gear needs to be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
POWER STEERING SYSTEM TEST PROCEDURE
The following procedure can be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on the vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-
sure. This test is to be performed any time a power
steering system problem is present to determine if
the power steering pump or power steering gear is
not functioning properly. The following pressure and
flow test is performed using Pressure/Flow Tester,
Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 2).
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Check power steering pump drive belt tension
and adjust as necessary.
(2) Disconnect power steering fluid pressure hose,
at power steering pump. Use a container for dripping
fluid.
(3) Connect Pressure Gauge, Special Tool from kit
6815 (Fig. 3) to both hoses using adapter fittings.
Connect spare pressure hose, to power steering pump
pressure hose banjo fitting.
(4) Completely open valve on Special Tool 6815
(Fig. 3).
(5) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
and get air out of fluid. Then shut off engine.(6) Check power steering fluid level, and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
(7) Pressure gauge should read below 862 kPa
(125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions
and repair as necessary. The initial pressure reading
should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
The flow meter should read between 1.3 and 1.4
GPM
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing power steering pump maximum pressure
output and flow control valve operation. Do not
leave valve closed for more than 5 seconds as the
pump could be damaged.
(8) Close valve fully three times and record high-
est pressure indicated each time.All three read-
ings must be above specifications and within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 8240 to 8920 kPa (1195 to 1293 psi.).
²If power steering pump pressures above specifi-
cations but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other,
then replace power steering pump.
²If pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other but below specifications, then replace power
steering pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate
against the stops for more than 5 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
(9) Open test valve. Turn steering wheel to the
extreme left and right positions until against the
stops, recording the highest indicated pressure at
each position. Compare pressure gauge readings to
power steering pump specifications. If highest output
Fig. 3 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
Connected To Power Steering Pump
Fig. 2 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
PLSTEERING 19 - 27
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Page 933 of 1200

(13) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(14) Add fluid if necessary.
(15) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(16) Start engine and turn steering wheel several
times from stop to stop to bleed air from fluid in sys-
tem. Stop engine, check fluid level, and inspect sys-
tem for leaks.Fill pump reservoir to correct
level with Mopart, Power Steering Fluid, or
equivalent.See Checking Fluid Level.
(17) Lower front wheels of vehicle back on the
ground.
CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the
steering gear inner tie rod boots to become twisted.
(See Wheel Alignment in the suspension section of
this service manual).
(18) Adjust the front Toe setting on the vehicle.
Refer to the Toe Setting Procedure in Front Suspen-
sion Service Procedures in this group of the service
manual. Refer to the Specifications Section at the
end of this group for the desired front Toe specifica-
tion.
(19) Tighten tie rod jam nut (Fig. 18) to 61 N´m
(45 ft.lbs.) torque.
(20) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie
rods.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
OUTER TIE ROD
DISASSEMBLE
(1) Loosen the inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam
nut (Fig. 19). Thread the jam nut far enough up the
inner tie rod to pull the collar (Fig. 19) away fromthe outer tie rod end. Pull the collar off the end of
the outer tie rod.
(2) Remove the nut attaching the outer tie rod end
to steering knuckle (Fig. 20).Nut is to be removed
from tie rod end using the following procedure,
hold tie rod end stud with a 11/32 socket while
loosening and removing nut with wrench.
(3) Remove tie rod end from steering knuckle
using Remover, Special Tool MB-991113 (Fig. 21) .
(4) Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod by un-
threading it from the inner tie rod.
ASSEMBLE
(1) Install the jam nut (Fig. 19) on inner tie rod
end.
Fig. 18 Outer Tie Rod End Jam Nut
Fig. 19 Outer Tie Rod
Fig. 20 Removing /Installing Tie Rod End Attaching
Nut
19 - 32 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)