Contents Section: Manual & Power Steering All sections

Power Steering General Servicing Ford Bronco II I

SERVICE

ApplicationNew BeltUsed Belt
Bronco II, Ranger(2) 80 (36)(2) 60 (27)
All Other Models140 (64)120 (54)
(1) Tension in Lbs. (Kg.) using Burroughs tension gauge. (2) Tension for "V" ribbed belt.
(1)Tension in Lbs. (Kg.) using Burroughs tension gauge.
(2)Tension for "V" ribbed belt.

BELT TENSION (1)

TROUBLE SHOOTING

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

PREPARATION

  1. With belt tension correct, disconnect power steering pump pressure hose. Keep hose end raised to prevent fluid loss. Connect pressure hose analyzer to power steering pump fitting. Connect other hose from valve side of tester to steering gear inlet.
  2. Open valve and run engine until fluid reaches normal operating temperature of 170°F (77°C). Check fluid level and add if necessary.

PRESSURE TEST

Note. For testing Ford vehicles, use Power Steering Analyzer D79-33610-A with flow meter.

  1. Start engine and record the flow. If flow is below 1.6 gals./min. (6.1 L/min.) on Bronco II and Ranger or 2 gals./min. (7.6 L/min.) on all others, pump may require repair. At this point, however, continue test.
  2. If pressure is above 150 psi (10.5 kg/cm 2 ), check hoses for restrictions. Partially close valve to build up pressure to 740 psi (51.8 kg/cm 2 ) for Ford pumps and 620 psi (43.6 kg/cm 2 ) for Saginaw pumps.
  3. If flow drops below specifications, disassemble pump and replace cam pack. If pressure plates are cracked or worn, replace them.
  4. Completely close and partially open the gate valve 3 times. Do not close valve more than 5 seconds. Record the highest reading each time. If pressure is higher or lower than specified, repair or replace flow control valve. See «PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/bronco-ii/i-1984-1990/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-general-servicing) chart.
  5. Set engine speed at 1500 RPM. Record the flow. If flow varies more than 1 gal./min. (3.8 L/min.), flow control valve in pump should be repaired or replaced.
  6. Turn steering wheel to the left and right stops. Pressure should be nearly the same as the maximum relief pressure. Flow should drop below .5 gals./min. (1.9 L/min.).
  7. If pressure and flow are not as specified, steering gear is leaking internally. Remove steering gear. Remove flow control valve. Repair or replace damaged parts. Check rack piston and valve seals for damage.
  8. If pressure and flow is good, turn steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly while watching the pressure gauge. The needle should move from the normal backpressure reading and snap back as the wheel is released.
  9. If the gauge reacts slowly, or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking. Repair or replace rotary valve. If system is severely contaminated, both hoses, control valve, and pump must be disassembled and cleaned.

Note. If problem still exists, check ball joints, linkage, and other front suspension members.

STEERING SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationMinimum Flow Gals./Min. (L/Min.)
Ford Pump
Bronco II & Ranger1.4 (5.3)
All Others1.7 (6.4)
Saginaw Pump1.8 (6.8)

POWER STEERING FLOW SPECIFICATIONS

PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationIdle Pressure - psi (kg/cm)Relief Pressure - psi (kg/cm)
Saginaw Pump80-125 (5.6-8.8)1350-1450 (94.9-101.9)
Ford Pump
Bronco II & Ranger80-125 (5.6-8.8)950-1130 (66.8-79-4)
All Others80-125 (5.6-8.8)1400-1500 (98.4-105.5)

PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS

SERVICE INTERVALS

Check with required maintenance checks.

CHECKING FLUID LEVEL

With fluid at normal operating temperature, and system bled, shut off engine. Fluid level on dipstick should read between "HOT" mark and end of dipstick.

ApplicationPower Steering Fluid Type
FordATF Type "F"

RECOMMENDED FLUID

REFILLING & BLEEDING SYSTEM

Fill pump reservoir with power steering fluid. Start engine and run until fluid reaches 170°F (77°C). Bleed system by turning wheels from stop-to-stop several times. Shut off engine and check fluid level.