Serpentine Belt
Belt tension is adjusted automatically. For more information, see SERPENTINE BELT article in ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM section.
Conventional Belt
Use a belt strand tension gauge to check belt tension. See POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS table.
| Application | New: Lbs. (kg) | Used: Lbs. (kg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L | |||
| SOHC | 125 (57) | 80 (36) | |
| DOHC | 175 (79) | 115 (52) | |
| 2.0L | 135 (61) | 70 (32) | |
| 1.8L, 2.3L & 2.5L | 165 (75) | 100 (45) | |
| 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.1L, 3.8L, 4.1L & 4.5L | 135 (61) | 73 (33) | |
| 5.0L & 5.7L | 125 (57) | 75 (34) | |
POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.
PRESSURE TESTING
Note. Before testing power steering system, check fluid level, belt tension, pump pulley, tire pressure and engine idle speed.
- Remove high pressure line from pump and attach Adapter Fitting (J-5176-11) to pump. Using Pressure Gauge (J-5176-02) and Adapter (J-5176-12), connect gauge to hose. Open valve fully. Run engine until fluid reaches normal operating temperature. Check fluid level and add as necessary. With engine at operating temperature, pressure reading should be 80-125 psi (5.6-8.8 kg/cm 2 ).
- If pressure is more than 200 psi (14 kg/cm 2 ), inspect system fro restrictions or faulty poppet valve. Alternately close and open gauge valve fully 3 times while recording highest pressure obtained. CAUTION: DO NOT hold valve closed for more than 5 seconds, as pump damage may result.
- If recorded pressures are all within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm 2 ), pump is okay. If pressures are high and not within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm 2 ) of each other, flow control valve is sticking.
- If pressures are constant and more than 100 psi (7.0 kg/cm 2 ), but less than 1350 psi (94.9 kg/cm 2 ), replace flow control valve and retest pump pressure.
- If pump meets specification, leave valve open. Turn steering wheel from stop to stop. Record and compare highest pressure with maximum pump pressure.
- If pressure at both stops is not similar to maximum pressure, steering gear is leaking internally.
POWER STEERING SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Specification | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1L & 4.5L | |||
| Pressure (psi) | |||
| Idle | 80-125 | ||
| Relief | 1350-1450 | ||
| Flow (gpm) (1) | |||
| Minimum | 1.32 | ||
| Maximum | 3.10 | ||
| 5.1L & 5.7L | |||
| Pressure (psi) | |||
| Idle | 80-125 | ||
| Relief | 1000-1250 | ||
| Flow (gpm) (1) | |||
| Minimum | N/A | ||
| Maximum | N/A | ||
| 5.0L Commercial | |||
| Pressure (psi) | |||
| Idle | 80-100 | ||
| Relief | 1000-1250 | ||
| Flow (gpm) (1) | |||
| Minimum | N/A | ||
| Maximum | N/A | ||
| All Other Engines (TC Series Pump) | |||
| Pressure (psi) | |||
| Idle | 80-125 | ||
| Relief | 1000-1250 | ||
| Flow (gpm) (1) | |||
| Minimum | N/A | ||
| Maximum | N/A | ||
| (1) Flow is measured in gallons per minute. | |||
| (1) | Flow is measured in gallons per minute. |
POWER STEERING PUMP TEST SPECIFICATIONS
SERVICE INTERVAL
Check fluid level every 7500 miles. If vehicle is driven less than 12,000 miles a year, check fluid every 3000 miles. Clean dirt and grease from filler cap area to avoid contaminating fluid. Check fluid level with engine off. Manufacturer recommends General Motors Power Steering Fluid (1050017).
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
Maintain fluid between "FULL and "DD" marks on dipstick.
BLEEDING & REFILLING SYSTEM
- Fill reservoir and operate engine until power steering fluid reaches operating temperature. Stop engine and recheck fluid level. Add fluid as necessary. Repeat procedure until fluid level stabilizes.
- Raise and support vehicle so front wheels are off ground. Start engine. Turn steering wheel from side-to-side several times. Avoid hitting stops on holding wheel in full left or right position. Fluid level should remain visible.
- Return wheels to center position. Operate engine fro 2-3 minutes. Road test vehicle. Recheck fluid level. Fluid containing air will have a milky appearance. All air should be eliminated to obtain normal steering.
See also:
• POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS