Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
- 5: This step tests the system for restrictions.
- 7: This step tests the following components for the following conditions: The pump for internal leaks The power steering pipes for kinks
- 8: This step tests the ability of the pump to regulate flow at maximum pressure.
- 10: This step tests the ability of the pump to regulate flow under normal operating conditions.
- 12: This step tests the internal components of the pump and the gear.
| Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEFINITION: The Power Steering System Test Procedure will perform the following functions: Test the operation of the hydraulic power steering system. Test the operation of the power steering pump and power steering gear. Identify restrictions in the system. | ||||
| 1 | Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination: Milky fluid - water Brown fluid - burnt Debris in fluid - plastic or dirt Is the fluid free of contamination? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 2 | |
| 2 | Flush the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Flushing . Did you complete the procedure? | Go to Step 3 | ||
| 3 | IMPORTANT: In order to accurately diagnose the system, the malfunction must be present during the test procedure. Attempt to duplicate the condition.Is the condition present? | Go to Step 4 | System OK | |
| 4 | Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Place a drain pan under the vehicle in order to catch any power steering fluid. Disconnect the power steering pressure pipe/hose from the power steering pump or the power steering gear as necessary. Install the J 44721 Power Steering System Analyzer. See Special Tools . Fill the power steering system. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid . Did you complete the installation? | Go to Step 5 | ||
| 5 | Fully open the J 44721 valve. See Special Tools . Start the engine. NOTE: Refer to Steering Wheel In The Full Turn Position Notice . Turn the steering wheel and BRIEFLY hold the steering wheel against the steering stop in order to release any trapped air from the system. Inspect and ensure that all of the power steering pipe/hose connections are not leaking. Ensure that the steering wheel is OFF the steering stop. Observe the pressure reading. Is the pressure reading greater than the specified value? | 1 379 kPa (200 psi) | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 |
| 6 | IMPORTANT: A restriction may be present in the power steering system. Turn OFF the engine IMMEDIATELY. Locate and repair the restriction.Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 18 | ||
| 7 | Allow the engine to run until the engine reaches full operating temperature. Record the pressure reading and flow reading. Partially close the J 44721 valve until the system pressure reaches the specified value, then record the FLOW reading. See Special Tools . Subtract second flow reading from the first flow reading. Is the flow DECREASE greater than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute? | 4 827 kPa (700 psi) | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | NOTE: Do not leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds, or the pump could be damaged internally. Fully close then open the J 44721 valve 3 times. See Special Tools . Record all of the high pressure readings. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications for power steering system pressure relief specifications.Are the 3 high pressure readings within specifications? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 15 | |
| 9 | Are the 3 high pressure readings within 245 kPa (50 psi) of each other? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 14 | |
| 10 | Increase the engine speed to approximately 1,500 RPM. Record the flow reading. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications for power steering system pressure specifications. Is the actual flow reading within specifications? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 13 | |
| 11 | Is the difference between the actual flow reading and the maximum flow specification more than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 12 | |
| 12 | NOTE: Refer to Steering Wheel In The Full Turn Position Notice . Turn the steering wheel from steering stop to steering stop and record the FLOW readings at each stop.Is the flow LOWER than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute? | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 17 | |
| 13 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 18 | ||
| 14 | Remove the power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - Off Vehicle (CB Series) . Inspect the flow control valve. If any burrs or scratches are noticed on the flow control valve, replace the flow control valve. Do NOT attempt to clean the flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - Off Vehicle (CB Series) . Inspect the flow control valve bore. If any burrs or scratches are present in the control valve bore, replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 18 | ||
| 15 | Replace the power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - Off Vehicle (CB Series) . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 18 | ||
| 16 | Remove the power steering pump flow control valve and inspect for any wear or damage. Do NOT disassemble the flow control valve. If the flow control valve is worn damaged, replace the flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - Off Vehicle (CB Series) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 18 | ||
| 17 | The power steering gear is leaking across the piston or bypassing the valve circuit. Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 18 | ||
| 18 | Test the power steering system for the original condition. Does the original condition still exist? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 19 | |
| 19 | Disconnect and remove the J 44721 from the vehicle. See Special Tools . Connect the vehicle power steering pipes/hoses. Bleed the power steering system and add fluid as necessary. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding . Did you complete the repair? | System OK | ||
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| In order to accurately diagnose the system, the malfunction must be present during the test procedure. |
| NOTE |
|---|
| Refer to Steering Wheel In The Full Turn Position Notice . |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| A restriction may be present in the power steering system. Turn OFF the engine IMMEDIATELY. |
| NOTE |
|---|
| Do not leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds, or the pump could be damaged internally. |
| NOTE |
|---|
| Refer to Steering Wheel In The Full Turn Position Notice . |
Power Steering System Test
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that power steering fluid leaks are present. Is the power steering system leaking? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering system fittings. Are the fittings leaking? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the power steering hoses. Are the hoses leaking? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering pump and the reservoir for leaks. Is the power steering pump or reservoir leaking? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. Is the power steering gear leaking? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the power steering cooler for leaks. Is the power steering cooler leaking? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 3 |
| 8 | Tighten the fittings. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 9 | Replace the power steering hoses. Refer to Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 10 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 11 | Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 12 | Replace the power steering cooler. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Cooler Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 13 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a rattle, clunk, or shudder noise is present. Is a rattle, clunk, or shudder noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering hoses for proper routing and clearance. Is the routing or clearance of the power steering hoses incorrect? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the engine drive belt for cracking or excessive wear. Refer to Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis . Is the drive belt cracked or excessively worn? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering pump pulley for damage. Is the power steering pump pulley damaged? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering pump and the power steering mounting bracket/brace for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Is the power steering pump installation incorrect? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the power steering gear for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement . Is the power steering gear installation incorrect? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the power steering gear rack bearing preload for the proper adjustment. Is the power steering gear rack bearing preload adjustment incorrect? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Inspect the suspension. Is the suspension worn? | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 10 |
| 10 | Inspect the intermediate shaft. Is the intermediate shaft worn? | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 3 |
| 11 | Adjust or replace the power steering hoses. Refer to Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 12 | Replace the engine drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 13 | Replace the power steering pump pulley. Refer to Power Steering Pulley Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pulley Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 14 | Install the power steering pump correctly. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 15 | Install the power steering gear correctly. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 16 | Adjust the power steering gear rack bearing preload. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 17 | Replace the worn suspension components. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Suspension General Diagnosis . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 18 | Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement or Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 19 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System (4.2L)
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a rattle, clunk, or shudder noise is present. Is a rattle, clunk, or shudder noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering hoses for proper routing and clearance. Is the routing or clearance of the power steering hoses incorrect? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the engine drive belt for cracking or excessive wear. Refer to Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis . Is the drive belt cracked or excessively worn? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering pump pulley for damage. Is the power steering pump pulley damaged? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering pump and the power steering mounting bracket/brace for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Is the power steering pump installation incorrect? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the power steering gear for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement . Is the power steering gear installation incorrect? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the power steering gear rack bearing preload for the proper adjustment. Is the power steering gear rack bearing preload adjustment incorrect? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Inspect the suspension. Is the suspension worn? | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 10 |
| 10 | Inspect the intermediate shaft. Is the intermediate shaft worn? | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 3 |
| 11 | Adjust or replace the power steering hoses. Refer to Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 12 | Replace the engine drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 13 | Replace the power steering pump pulley. Refer to Power Steering Pulley Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pulley Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 14 | Install the power steering pump correctly. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 15 | Install the power steering gear correctly. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 16 | Adjust the power steering gear rack bearing preload. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 17 | Replace the worn suspension components. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Suspension General Diagnosis . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 18 | Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement or Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 19 | |
| 19 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System (5.3L)
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a whine or growl noise is present. Is a whine or growl noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Perform the power steering test procedure in order to diagnose a hydraulic condition and repair or replace a component. Refer to Power Steering System Test . Did you repair or replace a power steering system component? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Using the J 39570 Chassis Ear, inspect the power steering gear for a whine or growl noise. Is the noise present at the power steering gear? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Using the J 39570 , inspect the power steering pump for a whine or growl noise. Is the noise present at the power steering pump? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Using the J 39570 , inspect the power steering hoses for a whine or growl noise. Is the noise present at the power steering hoses? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 2 |
| 7 | Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 10 | |
| 8 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement (4.2L) or Power Steering Pump Replacement (Except 4.2L) . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 10 | |
| 9 | Adjust the routing of the power steering hoses. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 10 | |
| 10 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System