Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001 Service Manual Supplement page 1139

19 - 8 STEERING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
NOTE: ** To evaluate this condition, it may be nec-
essary to disconnect the coupling at the base of the
steering column. Turn the steering wheel and feel or
listen for internal rubbing in steering column. To
avoid damaging the column clockspring, note the
following. Before disconnecting coupling, place
tires in the straight-ahead position and center steer-
ing wheel. Once disconnected, DO NOT rotate
POWER STEERING FLUID
CONDITION
LOW FLUID LEVEL WITH
VISIBLE LEAK.
AERATED FLUID.*
RESERVOIR FLUID
OVERFLOW AND FLUID
IS MILKY IN COLOR
NOTE: * Aerated fluid will appear with bubbles or
foam, somewhat like champagne, when viewed
through the reservoir fill opening.
NOTE: ** Extremely cold temperatures may cause
power steering fluid aeration, if the power steering
fluid is low.
POWER STEERING FLOW AND PRESSURE
TEST
WARNING: TO PREVENT
SAFETY GOGGLES SHOULD BE WORN AT ALL
TIMES WHILE PERFORMING ANY TEST PROCE-
DURES ON THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM.
The following procedure is to be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this 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
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Loose power steering hose
fittings.
2. Damaged or missing fitting seal,
gasket, or O-ring.
3. Power steering pump or power
steering gear leaking.
1. Low fluid level.**
2. Air leak between power steering
fluid reservoir and pump.
3. Cracked power steering pump
housing.
1. Water contamination.
PERSONAL INJURY,
steering wheel more than one revolution in either
direction and place steering wheel in original loca-
tion before reconnecting coupling. If this position is
lost, the steering column clockspring must be
re-centered following the procedure found within
the procedure for steering column installation in the
steering column section.
1. Tighten the fitting to its specified torque.
2. Replace as necessary.
3. Repair or replace the leaking component
as required.
1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level.
2. Inspect for proper sealing. Replace the
power steering pump (with reservoir).
3. Replace the power steering pump.
1. Drain the power steering fluid from the
system. Flush the system with fresh clean
power steering fluid, drain, then refill to the
proper level.
steering system problem is present to determine if
the power steering pump or power steering gear is
not functioning properly. The following flow and pres-
sure test is performed using the Power Steering Ana-
lyzer Kit, Special Tool 6815 (Fig. 3), hoses, Special
Tools 6905 and 6959, and adapters, Special Tool
8185A.
(1) Assemble hoses on Power Steering Analyzer,
Special Tool 6815, as shown (Fig. 3). Install Pressure
Hose, Special Tool 6905 (in 6893 kit), in the inlet fit-
ting on Power Steering Analyzer flow meter. Install
Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6713 (in 6815 kit) on
6905. Install Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6959, in the
outlet fitting on Power Steering Analyzer flow meter.
(2) Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 8185-1A,
on the end of Pressure Hose, Special Tool 6713.
Install Adapter Fitting, Special Tool 8185-2, on Pres-
sure Hose, Special Tool 6959.
(3) Raise the vehicle. Refer to Hoisting in the
Lubrication And Maintenance section for the proce-
dure.
CORRECTION
PT