LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Mercury >> 1989 >> Tracer 2D Hatchback, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Steering System - Power >> Testing >> Hydraulic System Pressure

Hydraulic System Pressure

  1. Connect a pressure gauge/valve between steering pump pressure hose and steering gear. Tighten fittings to 29-36 ft. lbs. (39-49 N.m). See Fig 1 . Place a thermometer in pump reservoir. Ensure valve is in "OPEN" position. Bleed air from system by starting engine and slowly turning steering wheel lock-to-lock, 10 times.
  2. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to increase fluid temperature. Test temperature of fluid should be 122-140°F (50-60°C). To measure fluid pressure, completely close the gauge valve and increase engine speed to 1000-1500 RPM.
  3. Read pressure and open valve. Pump pressure should be at least 924 psi (70 kg/cm2 ). If pump pressure is not to specification, repair or replace pressure pump.
    CAUTION: Leaving gauge valve closed for more than 15 seconds can damage the pump.
  4. To measure steering gear fluid pressure, open the gauge valve completely. Increase engine speed to 1000-1500 RPM. Turn steering wheel from lock-to-lock.
  5. Do not keep steering wheel fully turned for more than 10 seconds. The correct steering gear fluid pressure is 924 psi (70 kg/cm2 ) at a temperature of 122-140°F (50-60°C). If less than specification, repair or replace steering gear.
Fig 1: Pressure Gauge Test Set Up
G90G01088Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.