Steering System - Power Dodge Shadow I

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

Monaco & Premier (Serpentine Belt)

Correct belt tension is required to ensure optimum performance of all belt driven engine accessories. Use Belt Tension Gauge (7198) when checking belt tension. To adjust serpentine belt tension, use the alternator adjusting and lock bolts. Refer to the POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS table.

All Others (Serpentine Belt)

1. On 2.2L and 2.5L engines, the serpentine belt tension is adjusted by adjusting the power steering pump. To check belt tension, use a Poly-V Burroughs gauge or similar type of gauge. Refer to the «POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) table. Belt tension also can be checked by using deflection method.
2. To check by deflection method, place straightedge across 2 adjacent pulleys and use a 10 lb. (44 N) push or pull force at mid-point. For new belt, deflection should be 1/4-5/6" (6-21 mm). For used belt, deflection should be the same as new belt.
3. On 3.0L and 3.3L engines, serpentine belt tension is kept in proper adjustment by dynamic tensioner. No tension specifications are provided for belts using dynamic tensioner.

Laser & Talon (Conventional Belt)

Use belt tension gauge or deflection method to check belt tension. To use deflection method, put a 22 lb. (100 N) push or pull force on belt. Deflection specification is .24-.35" (6-9 mm).

Note. No specification was given for belt tension check using a belt tension gauge on Laser and Talon.

POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS

TESTING

Note. Before testing, check fluid level, belt tension, pump pulley, tire pressure and engine idle speed.

Idle Pressure Test (Laser & Talon)

1. To check pump pressure under no-load conditions, install pressure gauge and hose assembly. Bleed air from system. Start and run engine at 1000 RPM. Turn steering wheel left and right several times to increase power steering fluid temperature.
2. Allow fluid temperature to increase to 122-140°F (50-60°C). Fully open shut-off valve and check pump pressure. Refer to the «POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) table. If pump pressure is not within specifications, probable cause is a malfunction in fluid line or steering gear box.
3. Check these components and repair as necessary. Remove pressure gauge and hose assembly. Bleed system.

Idle Pressure Test (All Others)

1. Remove high pressure hose at steering pump and connect a spare hose to pump fitting. Connect opposite end of spare hose to Pressure Test Gauge (C-3309E) or equivalent. Connect pressure hose from valve side of steering gear to valve side of gauge. Valve must be installed on outlet side of gauge. NOTE: Replacement fittings are required on Test Gauge (C-3309E) for adapting to "O" ring type hose tube ends.
2. Fully open shut-off valve. With a thermometer in fluid reservoir, start engine and warm fluid to 160°F (72°C). Turning wheels from stop-to-stop will aid in warming fluid. DO NOT hold wheels against stop.
3. With engine at idle speed and gauge open, check initial pressure. See «POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) table. If pressure is above specifications, check for restricted hoses or crimped lines.

Relief Pressure Test (Laser & Talon)

1. Remove high pressure hose at steering pump and connect Pressure Test Gauge (C-3309E) and Hose Assembly (C-4535) between steering pump and original pressure hose. Bleed air from system. Start and run engine at 1000 RPM. Turn steering wheel left and right several times to increase power steering fluid temperature.
2. Let fluid temperature increase to 122-140°F (50-60°C). DO NOT close shut-off valve for more than 10 seconds as this could damage pump. Fully close shut-off valve of pressure gauge and measure relief pressure. See «POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) table.
3. If pressure is not within specifications, overhaul power steering pump. Remove test gauge and hose assembly. Bleed system.

Relief Pressure Test (All Others)

1. Close shut-off valve completely 3 times. Record highest pressure attained each time. CAUTION: DO NOT leave shut-off valve closed more 5 seconds as this could damage the pump.
2. If recorded pressures are within specifications and range of readings are within 50 psi (345 kPa), pump is working properly. See the «POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) table. If recorded pressures are high but do not repeat within the 50 psi (345 kPa) range, flow control valve in pump is sticking. For power steering pump applications, see «POWER STEERING PUMP APPLICATION»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-power) table.
3. On ZF pump, replace pump. On Saginaw pump, remove and inspect flow control valve. For removal and disassembly, Refer to the «POWER STEERING PUMP - SAGINAW & ZF»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-pump-saginaw-zf) article. On Saginaw pump, if recorded pressures are constant but less than specified, clean or replace pressure relief and flow control valve assembly. For removal and disassembly, see «POWER STEERING PUMP - SAGINAW & ZF»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-pump-saginaw-zf) article. POWER STEERING PUMP APPLICATION Models Pump Type Acclaim, Daytona, Horizon, LeBaron, Omni & Spirit Saginaw Dynasty & New Yorker 2.5 & 3.0L Saginaw 3.3L ZF Fifth Avenue & Imperial (3.3L) ZF Shadow & Sundance ZF CAUTION: To prevent scrubbing flat spots on tires, DO NOT turn steering wheel more than 5 times without rolling vehicle.
4. If pressures are still low, overhaul or replace pump. On ZF pump, replace pump. If pump pressures are within specifications, leave shut-off valve open and turn steering wheel from stop-to-stop, with engine idling. Record highest pressure attained at each wheel stop and compare readings with maximum pump pressure previously recorded.
5. If this pressure cannot build up in either side of gear, gear is leaking internally and must be disassembled and repaired. For removal and disassembly, see «POWER STEERING PUMP - SAGINAW & ZF»(/dodge/shadow/i-1986-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-pump-saginaw-zf) article.

POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS

SERVICE INTERVALS

Fluid level should be checked whenever hood is lifted for regular scheduled maintenance. This should be every 7500 miles. Clean dirt and grease from filler cap area to avoid contaminating fluid. Check fluid level with engine off. Depending upon dipstick mark, maintain fluid at either FULL level or above full COLD mark.

RECOMMENDED FLUID TYPE

Laser & Talon

1. Fill pump reservoir to lower position of pump filter. To bleed, jack up and support front wheels. Manually turn power steering pump pulley a few times. Turn steering wheel all the way to left and right several times.
2. Disconnect and ground coil wire and operate starter motor intermittently, while turning steering wheel all the way to left and right several times. Do this for 15 to 20 seconds. DO NOT allow fluid level to fall below lower position of filter. CAUTION: If air bleeding is done with engine running, the air will be broken up and absorbed into fluid.
3. Reconnect coil wire and start engine. While engine is idling, turn steering wheel left and right until there are no air bubbles in pump reservoir. Verify fluid is not milky and is at proper level.
4. Verify there is little change in fluid level when steering wheel is turned left and right. Check if fluid level change is within .2" (5 mm) when engine is stopped and when running. If fluid level change is .2" (5 mm) or more, the air has not been completely bled from system.
5. If fluid level rises suddenly after the engine is stopped, air has not been completely bled. If air bleeding is not complete, there will be abnormal noises from pump and flow control valve. This could shorten the life of the pump.

All Other Models

1. Fill power steering pump reservoir to specified level. Start engine and slowly turn steering wheel to the left and right but DO NOT contact steering stops in either direction. Stop engine. Inspect reservoir fluid level and add fluid if necessary.
2. Purging process may have to be repeated several times to completely purge all air from system. Dipstick should read FULL COLD when fluid is at normal outside temperature, which is approximately 70-80°F (21-27°C).

See also:
• TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES
• POWER STEERING PUMP - SAGINAW & ZF
• POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS