Power Steering General Servicing Ford Tempo I

TROUBLE SHOOTING

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

BELT TENSION

1. Using a belt strand tension gauge, check tension of power steering belt. See «POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/tempo/i-1983-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-general-servicing) table.
2. To adjust belt tension, loosen power steering pump mounting bolts and adjusting bolt. Carefully pry pump until belt is to specification. See «POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/tempo/i-1983-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-general-servicing) table. Tighten bolts.

POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS

TESTING

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

PRESSURE TESTING

Note. When testing pump flow and pressure, use Rotunda Analyzer (014-00207). (Scheme 1) 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 less than 1.5 gals. (5.68L) per minute, 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. Allow pressure to increase to 740 psi (52 kg/cm 2 ). Record flow. If flow is less than minimum, pump cam pack requires replacement. Proceed with testing.
4. Close and partially open tester valve 3 times. Tester valve must not remain closed over 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. Clean or replace flow control valve as necessary.
6. Increase engine speed to about 1500 RPM. Observe and record flow. If flow exceeds maximum free flow listed in chart, remove flow control valve. Clean or replace flow control valve 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 to less than .5 gals./min. (1.9 L/min.). If pressure fails to reach maximum or if flow does not drop to less than .5 gals./min. (1.9 L/min.), 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 one complete revolution in each direction. Pull should be approximately 9 lbs. (2.25 kg) during turning.

Typical Test Gauge Connections. Scheme 1

POWER STEERING TEST SPECIFICATIONS

POWER STEERING PUMP TEST SPECIFICATIONS

SERVICE INTERVALS

Check fluid level every 7500 miles. If vehicle is driven less than 12,000 miles a year, check fluid every 3000 miles.

CHECKING FLUID LEVEL

With engine running and fluid at normal operating temperature, cycle steering wheel from left to right several times. Turn engine off. Fluid level must be above full "COLD" 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. Recheck after 500 miles to verify system condition.

BLEEDING & REFILLING SYSTEM

1. Fill pump reservoir. See «RECOMMENDED FLUID TYPE»(/ford/tempo/i-1983-1994/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-general-servicing) table. Operate engine until power steering fluid reaches operating temperature. Stop engine. Recheck fluid level. Add fluid as necessary. Repeat procedure until fluid level stabilizes.
2. Raise and support vehicle so front wheels are off ground. Start engine. Turn steering wheel from side-to-side several times. Avoid hitting stops or holding wheel in full left or right position. Fluid level should remain visible.
3. Return wheels to center position. Operate engine for 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. 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. Raise front wheels off ground.
5. Crank engine while cycling steering wheel. DO NOT hold wheel on stops. Add fluid if necessary. Attach coil lead. Install evacuation tool onto reservoir.
6. Start engine. Apply 15 in. Hg on reservoir for approximately 3 minutes with engine idling. As air is purged from system, vacuum will decrease.
7. Maintain sufficient vacuum with vacuum source. Release vacuum. Check fluid level. Install filler adapter assembly and dipstick. Start engine.
8. Turn steering wheel from stop to stop while checking for leaks. If condition is severe, repeat procedure until all air is removed. Lower vehicle. Road test vehicle.

RECOMMENDED FLUID TYPE

See also:
• POWER STEERING BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS