Power Steering General Servicing Ford LTD Crown Victoria I

TROUBLE SHOOTING

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

BELT TENSION

BELT TENSION (1)

PRESSURE TESTING

Note. Before testing power steering system, check fluid level, belt tension, pump pulley, tire pressure and engine idle speed. Rotunda Analyzer (014-00207) is recommended for all pump flow and pressure related testing. Check entire system for damage. Check pulley size and pump model for proper application.

1. Reservoir must be kept full and at normal operating temperature during testing. Attach tester between pressure line and pump with gauge between pump and tester valve. Start engine and let idle for 2 minutes.
2. With engine idling and fluid hot, record pressure (with tester valve open) and flow. If flow is below minimum listed in chart, pump may require service. However, proceed with testing at this point.
3. If pressure is more than 150 psi (10.5 kg/cm 2 ), check hoses for restrictions. Partially close tester valve to build up 740 psi (52 kg/cm 2 ) and record flow. If flow is below minimum, pump cam pack requires replacement. Proceed with testing.
4. Completely close and partially open tester valve 3 times, do not allow tester valve to remain closed for more than 5 seconds. Observe and record pressure each time valve is closed. If readings vary more than 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm 2 ), flow control valve may be sticking.
5. If pressure is less than minimum specification, replace flow control valve. If pressure is more than maximum specification, remove flow control valve and clean or replace as necessary.
6. Increase engine speed to about 1500 RPM to observe and record flow. If flow exceeds maximum free flow listed in chart, remove flow control valve and clean or replace as necessary.
7. Return engine to idle speed. Turn wheel from stop to stop. Observe and record flow at both stops. Pressure readings should be near maximum pressure specification listed in chart.
8. Flow should drop below .5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM). If pressure does not reach maximum or if flow does not drop below .5 GPM, excessive internal leakage of steering gear is occurring.
9. With engine running, attach pull scale to rim of steering wheel. Measure pull required to turn wheel 1 complete revolution in each direction. Pull should be 9 lbs. (2.25 kg) during turning.

SERVICE INTERVALS

Check fluid level every 7,500 miles.

With engine running and fluid at normal operating temperature, cycle steering wheel all the way from left to right several times, then shut off engine. Fluid level must show between full "COLD" and mark on dipstick. Do not over fill system.

Note. If fluid level becomes abnormally low, inspect power steering system for leaks. Refill pump using recommended fluid and recheck after 500 miles to verify system condition.

RECOMMENDED FLUID TYPE

REFILLING & BLEEDING SYSTEM

1. Fill pump reservoir to proper level. Start engine and run momentarily. Stop engine and recheck fluid level. Add fluid (if necessary). Repeat procedure until fluid level remains constant after running engine.
2. Raise and support vehicle so front wheels are off ground. Start engine. Turn steering wheel from side to side several times (without hitting stops). Do not hold wheel in full left or right position. Fluid level should remain above pump inlet in reservoir.
3. Return wheels to center position and operate engine for 2-3 minutes. Road test vehicle and recheck fluid level. All air should be eliminated to obtain normal steering. NOTE: Abnormal noise originating from the power steering system may be caused by air trapped in the system. Rotunda Vacuum Tester (021-00014) and the following procedure are designed to eliminate this condition.
4. Carefully remove pump filler adapter and dipstick. Check and fill reservoir to "COLD" mark. Disconnect ignition coil lead and raise from wheel off of ground.
5. Crank engine while cycling steering wheel. DO NOT hold wheel on stops. Add fluid if necessary. Attach coil lead and install evacuation tool onto reservoir.
6. Start engine and apply 15 in. Hg on reservoir for approximately 3 minutes with engine idling. As air is purged from system, vacuum will decrease. Maintain sufficient vacuum with vacuum source.
7. Release vacuum and check fluid level. Install filler adapter assembly and dipstick. Start engine and turn wheel from stop to stop while inspecting for leads. If condition is severe, repeat procedure until all air is removed. Lower vehicle and road test.

POWER STEERING PUMP TEST SPECIFICATIONS

POWER STEERING PUMP TEST