FLUID ISSUES
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | EVALUATION/CORRECTION |
|---|
| LOW FLUID LEVEL WITH VISIBLE LEAK. | 1. Loose power steering hose fittings or connections. | 1. Check torque on all tube nuts (at gear and pump). Inspect clamps at all rubber hose connections for correct position, damage and tension. Tighten tube nuts as required. Reposition or replace clamps at hose connections. Clean joints and reinspect for leaks. |
| 2. Damaged or missing O-ring at power steering hose tube nuts. | 2. Remove tube nut and inspect O-ring. If damaged or missing, replace O-ring. Clean joints and reinspect for leaks. |
| 3. Power steering line or hose failure. | 3. Clean fluid from around suspect areas. Run vehicle and inspect for leaks. Look inside reservoir to see if air is being ingested. Replace hoses as necessary. |
| 4. Power steering component leaking (reservoir, pump, gear). | 4. Clean fluid from around suspect areas. Run vehicle and inspect for leaks. Look inside reservoir to see if air is being ingested. Replace power steering component as necessary. |
| AERATED FLUID.* | 1. Low power steering fluid level. | 1. Check fluid level and fill to proper level as necessary. Check for leaks. Make sure all air is bled from system. |
| 2. Air leak at power steering supply hose, reservoir or pump. | 2. Inspect components. Put a hand vacuum pump on the reservoir and verify that the system can keep a vacuum. System should not lose more than 1 psi in 2 minutes (make sure vacuum pump is sealed well to the reservoir). |
| 3. Air leak at power steering supply hose, reservoir or pump. | 3. Inspect components. Place a hand vacuum pump with Adapter 9688 on reservoir and verify that system can sustain vacuum. System should not lose more than 1 psi in 2 minutes (make sure vacuum pump is sealed well to the reservoir). Replace steering component as necessary. |
| RESERVOIR FLUID OVERFLOW OR FLUID THAT IS MILKY IN COLOR | 1. Water contamination of power steering fluid. | 1. Inspect fluid for milky appearance. Completely drain power steering fluid. Refill and bleed system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . |
Note. Extremely cold temperatures may cause power steering fluid aeration. The air should work its way out of the system as the fluid warms.
Scheme 21
Scheme 21: HYDRAULIC FLOW AND PRESSURE - WITHOUT EHPS
| 1 - TUBE |
|---|
| 2 - ADAPTER FITTINGS |
| 3 - ANALYZER |
| 4 - GAUGE HOSE |
The following procedure is used to test the operation of the power steering system on the vehicle. This test will provide the gallons per minute (GPM) or flow rate of the power steering pump along with the maximum relief pressure. Perform test any time a power steering system problem is present. This test will determine if the power steering pump or power steering gear is not functioning properly. The following pressure and flow test is performed using Power Steering Analyzer Tool kit (special tool #6815, Kit, Power Steering) (3) Adapter Kit (special tool #6893A, Kit, Power Steering) and (special tool #6825A, Adapter, Power Steering).
POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
| WARNING | Fluid level should be checked with the engine off to prevent personal injury from moving parts. |
| CAUTION | There is an Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) pump on some vehicles requiring a different fluid. Do not mix power steering fluid types. Damage may result to the power steering pump and system if any other fluid is used. The mechanical power steering pump systems on this vehicle require the use of Power Steering Fluid +4, which meets material specification MS-9602 or equivalent. The EHPS system uses fluid which meets material specification MS-11655 or equivalent. Do not overfill. |
The power steering fluid level can be viewed through the reservoir with MAX and MIN level indicators on the side. Before opening power steering system, wipe the reservoir filler cap free of dirt and debris. When the fluid is at normal ambient temperature, approximately 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F), the fluid level should between MAX and MIN. Use only proper fluids. Do not over fill.
Scheme 22
- Siphon the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
- Remove the air cleaner body, refer to «AIR INTAKE SYSTEM»(ref-465933-S24879953342012042300000) or «AIR INTAKE SYSTEM»(ref-465934-S26640800322012042300000) .
- Remove the pressure line (4) from the pump (1).
- Raise and support the vehicle. See «HOISTING»(ref-465919-S17385638482012042300000) .
- If equipped, remove the front skid plate. Refer to «PLATE, SKID, FRONT, REMOVAL»(ref-465925-S30284619522012042300000) or «PLATE, SKID, FRONT SUSPENSION, REMOVAL»(ref-465925-S37911096052012042300000) .
- Disconnect the pressure line (1) at the gear (3).
- Loosen the forward routing clip bolt (2) to the cradle.
- Remove the two mounting bracket (3) bolts for the pressure line at the engine cradle.
- Lift the pressure line off the forward mounting bolt (2) to remove from vehicle.
Scheme 23
Scheme 23: 5.7L - GEAR TO COOLER
- Siphon the power steering fluid from the reservoir (2).
- Remove the grille. Refer to «GRILLE, REMOVAL»(ref-465921-S35029314672012042300000) .
- Raise and support the vehicle. See «HOISTING»(ref-465919-S17385638482012042300000) .
- Remove the front skid plate. Refer to «PLATE, SKID, FRONT, REMOVAL»(ref-465925-S30284619522012042300000) or «PLATE, SKID, FRONT SUSPENSION, REMOVAL»(ref-465925-S37911096052012042300000) .
- Remove the line routing clip to cradle bolt.
- Disconnect the return hose (2) at the gear (3).
- Disconnect the clamp (2) and remove the hose from the cooler (1) from the vehicle.
