Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 1375

SPECIAL TOOL 6815
19 - 28 STEERING
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
NOTE: The power steering gear (Fig. 1) should NOT
be serviced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak
occurs with the steering gear, the complete steering
gear needs to be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
POWER STEERING SYSTEM TEST PROCEDURE
The following procedure can be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on the vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power
steering pump along with the maximum relief pres-
sure. This test is to be performed any time a power
steering system problem is present to determine if
the power steering pump or power steering gear is
not functioning properly. The following pressure and
flow test is performed using Pressure/Flow Tester,
Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW AND
PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE
(1) Check power steering pump drive belt tension
and adjust as necessary.
(2) Disconnect power steering fluid pressure hose,
at power steering pump. Use a container for dripping
fluid.
(3) Connect Pressure Gauge, Special Tool from kit
6815 (Fig. 3) to both hoses using adapter fittings.
Connect spare pressure hose, to power steering pump
pressure hose banjo fitting.
(4) Completely open valve on Special Tool 6815
(Fig. 3).
(5) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
and get air out of fluid. Then shut off engine.
(6) Check power steering fluid level, and add fluid
as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
(7) Pressure gauge should read below 862 kPa
(125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions
ADAPTER TINGS FIT- PRESSURE HOSE TO TO STEERINGPUMP STEERING GEAR POWER POWER
Fig. 3 Power Steering Pump Flow/Pressure Tester
Connected To Power Steering Pump
and repair as necessary. The initial pressure reading
should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
The flow meter should read between 1.3 and 1.4
GPM
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing power steering pump maximum pressure
output and flow control valve operation. Do not
leave valve closed for more than 5 seconds as the
pump could be damaged.
(8) Close valve fully three times and record high-
est pressure indicated each time. All three read-
ings must be above specifications and within
345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 8240 to 8920 kPa (1195 to 1293 psi.).
• If power steering pump pressures above specifi-
cations but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other,
then replace power steering pump.
• If pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other but below specifications, then replace power
steering pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate
against the stops for more than 5 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
(9) Open test valve. Turn steering wheel to the
extreme left and right positions until against the
stops, recording the highest indicated pressure at
each position. Compare pressure gauge readings to
power steering pump specifications. If highest output
pressures are not the same against either stop, the
steering gear is leaking internally and must be
replaced.
POWER SPECIAL ING PUMP STEER- TOOL 6815
PL