HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING
Note. Noise originating from the power steering system may be caused by air trapped in system. To eliminate pump whine condition, bleed system.
- Fill pump reservoir. Operate engine until power steering fluid reaches operating temperature. Stop engine. Recheck fluid level. Add fluid as necessary. Repeat procedure until fluid level stabilizes.
- Raise and support vehicle so front wheels are off ground. Start engine. Turn steering wheel from side to side several times. Avoid holding wheel in full left or right position. Fluid level should remain visible.
- Return wheels to center position. Operate engine for 2-3 minutes. Road test vehicle. Recheck fluid level. Fluid containing air has milky appearance. All air should be eliminated to obtain normal steering.
- Carefully remove fluid reservoir cap. Check and fill reservoir to FULL COLD mark. Disconnect and ground ignition coil lead. Raise and support front of vehicle.
- Crank engine while turning steering wheel from side to side. DO NOT hold wheel on stops. Add fluid if necessary. Attach coil lead. Install vacuum tester onto reservoir.
- Start engine. Install vacuum adapter and apply 20-25 in. Hg vacuum to reservoir for approximately 3 minutes with engine idling. As air is purged from system, pump whine will tend to decrease. Maintain specified vacuum.
- Release vacuum. Check fluid level. Start engine. Turn steering wheel from side to side while checking for leaks. If pump whine is severe, repeat procedure until all air is removed.
POWER STEERING PUMP BELT
Belt tension is adjusted automatically. With belt installed, tensioner should be in center of travel between stops. If tensioner is not in center of travel, belt is worn or incorrect belt is installed. Replace belt if necessary.
NO COMMUNICATION WITH VDM
Possible source of problem may be: blown fuses, faulty wiring, faulty VDM or air suspension switch. See TEST A .
STEERING IS VERY EASY/VERY DIFFICULT
Possible source of problem may be: power steering pump, power steering linkage, steering pivot or steering gear. See TEST C .
STEERING DOES NOT VARY WITH INCREASED WHEEL ROTATION
Possible source of problem may be: power steering pump or power steering hoses. See TEST D .
STEERING DOES NOT VARY WITH VEHICLE SPEED
Possible source of problem may be: faulty wiring or VDM. See TEST E .
ENGINE STALLS WITH STEERING WHEEL ROTATION DURING PARKING
Possible source of problem may be: faulty wiring or pressure switch on variable assist.
POWER STEERING PUMP NOISY
Possible source of problem may be: low fluid level and/or fluid leaks, plugged reservoir filter or faulty pump. Check for leaks and check fluid level. Replace reservoir or replace pump.
SYSTEM BACKPRESSURE
Possible source of problem may be: faulty pump, faulty steering gear, faulty hoses or fittings. Perform HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST .
STEERING GEAR
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove instrument panel lower trim cover. Remove steering column lower trim panel. Remove steering column reinforcement panel. Remove steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt. CAUTION: DO NOT rotate steering wheel when lower column shaft is disconnected. Damage to air bag sliding contact will result.
- Remove intermediate shaft-to-steering gear coupling bolt. Slide shaft upward to remove from steering gear. Slide intermediate shaft downward to remove from steering column. Remove column weather seal. Loosen retaining screw and disconnect engine compartment wiring harness.
- Remove upper motor mount bolt and position mount out of way. Remove ground strap retaining screw. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front tires. Remove tie rod end cotter pins and castle nuts. Separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles. Loosen tie rod end lock nuts. Mark tie rod end lock nut position for installation reference.
- Disconnect front suspension height sensors. Disconnect oxygen sensor. Remove front and rear catalytic converter inlet pipe nuts. Remove converter outlet flange retaining bolts and nuts. Remove converter support bracket retaining bolt and remove catalytic converter. Remove bolts, nuts and subframe insulator braces. Remove 2 steering gear mounting nuts.
- Support sub frame using Rotunda Powertrain Lift (014-00765) and Universal Powertrain Removal Bracket (014-00766). Remove rear subframe retaining bolts. Loosen front subframe retaining bolts. Lower support lift. Remove heat shield bracket . Disconnect steering gear connectors.
- Rotate steering gear to clear bolts in subframe. Pull steering gear left to allow hydraulic line removal. Position drain pan under vehicle.
- Remove hydraulic lines from steering gear. Carefully remove steering gear through left wheel opening.
POWER STEERING PUMP
Note. Manufacturer does not recommend disassembly of power steering pump. If service is required, replace pump as an assembly.