Power Steering General Servicing GMC Vandura I

TROUBLE SHOOTING

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

SERVICE

BELT TENSION (Tension in Lbs. (Kg.) using Strand Tension Gauge)

PRESSURE TEST

1. With belt tension correct, disconnect power steering pump pressure hose, keeping hose end raised to prevent fluid loss. Connect pressure hose of gauge to power steering pump fitting and connect second 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.
3. Note pressure reading with valve open and engine idling. Pressure shoule be 80-125 psi (5.6-8.8 kg/cm 2 ).
4. If pressure is above 200 psi (14 kg/cm 2 ), check hoses for restrictions and poppet valve (Saginaw gears) for proper assembly.
5. If flow drops below 1.8 gals./min. (6.8 L/min.) for Saginow pumps, disassemble pump and replace cam pack.
6. Close gate valve completely and reopen 3 times. Record highest reading each time. DO NOT close valve for more than 5 seconds.
7. If pressure is less than specification, replace flow control valve. If within specifications, but readings are not within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm 2 ) of each other, remove flow control valve and clean or replace.
8. If flow varies from step 5) reading by more that 1 gal./min. (3.8 L/min.), remove flow control valve and clean or replace.
9. With valve open, turn steering wheel all the way from right-to-left stops and record pressure. DO NOT hold wheel against stops more than 5 seconds. Pressure should be the same as recorded in Pressure Test Specifications.

SERVICE INTERVALS

Check with every oil change.

CHECKING FLUID LEVEL

Check fluid level with engine stopped and fluid hot or cold. Fluid level should be to "FULL HOT" or "FULL COLD" mark on dipstick. On models with remote reservoir, keep fluid level 0.5-1.0" from top of reservoir with wheels fully to the left.

RECOMMENDED FLUID

REFILLING & BLEEDING SYSTEM

1. Fill reservoir to correct level. Let oil settle for 2 minutes. Start engine and run for 2 seconds. Check reservoir and add oil if necessary. Repeat procedure until level in reservoir remains constant after running engine.
2. Raise front of vehicle so that both wheels are off ground. Start engine and increase engine speed to 1500 RPM. Turn wheels right and left, lightly contacting stops. Check fluid and add if necessary.
3. Lower vehicle and turn wheels right and left on ground. Check fluid level and add if necessary. If oil is foamy, allow vehicle to stand still for a few minutes with engine off.
4. Repeat procedure with vehicle raised. Again check fluid level and for air in system. If level is low or there is air in system, repeat complete procedure.

PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS

PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS