Chrysler neon 1997 Service Manual page 601

19 - 12 STEERING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
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.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL CHECK
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY FROM
MOVING PARTS. DO NOT USE AUTOMATIC TRANS-
MISSION FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING SYS-
TEM. DO NOT OVERFILL THE POWER STEERING
SYSTEM.
Wipe reservoir filler cap free of dirt. Then check
fluid level. The dipstick should indicate COLD when
fluid is at normal ambient temperature, approxi-
mately 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F). In all pumps add
fluid as necessary, use only Mopar Power Steering
Fluid, or equivalent. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE
OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
POWER STEERING PUMP INITIAL OPERATION
CAUTION: The fluid level should be checked with
engine off to prevent injury from moving compo-
nents. Use only Mopar
not use automatic transmission fluid. Do not over-
fill.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicate FULL COLD when the
fluid is at normal temperature of approximately 21°C
to 27°C (70°F to 80°F).
(1) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(2) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(3) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above proce-
dure until the fluid level remains constant after run-
ning the engine.
(4) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(5) Start the engine. Slowly turn the steering
wheel right and left, lightly contacting the wheel
stops.
(6) Add power steering fluid if necessary.
(7) Lower the vehicle and turn the steering wheel
slowly from lock to lock.
(8) Stop the engine. Check the fluid level and refill
as required.
(9) If the fluid is extremely foamy, allow the vehi-
cle to stand a few minutes and repeat the above pro-
cedure.
POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW CONTROL VALVE
SEAL
The power steering pump does not require removal
from the engine for removal and replacement of the
flow control valve fitting O-Ring.
REMOVE
(1) Remove the power steering fluid pressure hose
from the power steering pump pressure fitting (Fig.
4).
(2) Remove the flow control valve fitting from the
power steering pump housing (Fig. 5). Prevent flow
control valve and spring from sliding out of
housing bore.
(3) Remove and discard O-ring seal from fitting.
INSTALL
(1) If necessary, clean and install flow control
valve and spring in pump housing bore.
(2) Install new O-ring seal on fitting.
(3) Install fitting in pump housing and tighten to
75 N·m (55 ft. lbs.)
(4) Install power steering fluid pressure hose on
flow control valve fitting.
Power Steering Fluid. Do
PL