Power Steering Fluid Condition Check
- Run the engine for 2 minutes.
- Check the power steering fluid system level.
- Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not brown or black.
- Allow the fluid to drip onto a facial tissue and examine the stain.
- If evidence of solid material is found, the power steering fluid system should be drained for further inspection.
- If fluid contamination or steering component failure is confirmed by the sediment in the power steering fluid system, REFER to «Steering Gear hydraulics Fault Diagnosis by Symptom Charts»(ref-311042-S35646155102009032300000) .
Scheme 8
| Item Number | Special Tool Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 211-011 | Pressure Gauge Hose |
| 2 | 211-011-08 | Pump Return Hose |
| 3 | 211-011-07 | Pump Return Hose Connector |
| 4 | 211-011-03/2 | Test Equipment to High Pressure Hose Adaptor |
| 5 | 211-011-03/1 | Pump High Pressure Outlet to Hose Adaptor |
| 6 | 211-011-02 | Pump Adaptor to Control Valve Hose |
| 7 | 211-011-01 | Control Valve |
| 8 | 211-011 | Pressure Gauge |
| 9 | 'O' Ring Seal |
The measurement of the maximum system pressure, (which is governed by the pressure relief valve) is achieved by inserting the Service Tool (pressure gauge and adaptors) into the fluid circuit of the power steering system. Run the engine at idle speed, turn the steering from lock to lock and read the maximum pressure recorded on the gauge.
Fluid Leakage
Note. Refer to the technical service information before using this chart.
| Condition | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| FLUID LEAKAGE | BACK TO DIAGNOSTICS MENU | CHECK TECHNICAL BULLETINS |
| Fluid leakage | Confirm the position of the fluid leak | CLEAN the area of the leak Inspect the area and confirm the exact position of leak Make sure the fluid is not from another system on the vehicle |
| Overfilled system | CORRECT the fluid level as necessary | |
| Component leak | NOTE: Record the position of the leak and indicate the rate of the leak on the Warranty Return Record Sheet LOCATE the suspect component or CHECK hose connections and repair as necessary | |
| Damaged fluid cap | INSTALL a new fluid cap | |
| Power steering fluid leakage at 'O' ring or Dowty seals Loose or damaged hose fittings | CHECK the power steering system for signs of steering fluid loss from O-ring seals. INSTALL new O-ring seals or Dowty seal as necessary. TIGHTEN the hose connection or latch plate fixing to the recommended torque. BLEED the power steering system. See Power Steering System Bleeding - VIN Range: L00600->L86901 or See Power Steering System Bleeding - VIN Range: L86902->M45254 . | |
| Leakage at power steering pump | INSTALL a new power steering pump Refer to Power Steering Pump - 3.0L . Refer to Power Steering Pump - 4.0L . | |
| Fluid leakage | Leakage at steering hose to steering gear connection | CHECK steering hose to steering gear connection for leakage CHECK and TIGHTEN the steering hose to steering gear connection retaining bolts/bolts as necessary |
| Power steering fluid leakage from the transfer pipes | CHECK the power steering system for signs of steering fluid loss from the transfer pipes CHECK and TIGHTEN the transfer pipes if required, INSTALL new transfer pipes as necessary BLEED the power steering system. See Power Steering System Bleeding - VIN Range: L00600->L86901 or Power Steering System Bleeding - VIN Range: L86902->M45254 . | |
| Power steering fluid leakage from steering gear boot, body or housing | CHECK the power steering gear for signs of fluid loss INSTALL a new steering gear Refer to Steering Gear - VIN Range: L00600->L86901 . Refer to Steering Gear - VIN Range: L86902->M45254 . |
| NOTE |
|---|
| Record the position of the leak and indicate the rate of the leak on the Warranty Return Record Sheet |
Power Steering System Flushing - General Procedures
Note. If heavy steering or contamination within the power steering system is found, it is necessary to carry out the system flush procedure as detailed below. If any components have been replaced in the power steering system the procedure below must be carried out in full.
Scheme 9
- Remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
- Using a syringe, remove the power steering fluid from the reservoir. Release but do not remove the power steering reservoir. Disconnect the power steering return hose from the reservoir.
- Cap the power steering reservoir return hose using a suitable plug.
- Attach a suitable pipe to the power steering return hose to allow fluid to drain.
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Turn the steering lock to lock 10 times. Allow the fluid to drain.
- Flush the power steering system. Top up the power steering fluid reservoir with approximately half a liter of fluid. Turn the steering lock to lock 10 times. Allow the fluid to drain. If necessary, repeat the above procedure.
- Secure the power steering reservoir. Remove and discard the blanking plug. Connect the power steering reservoir return hose.
- Fill and bleed the power steering system. See «Power Steering System Filling»(ref-311042-S00882121402009032300000)
- Install the power steering reservoir filler cap.