Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001 Service Manual Supplement page 1141

19 - 10 STEERING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
• If the power steering pump pressure's are above
specifications, but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other, replace the power steering pump.
• If the pressure's are within 345 kPa (50 psi) of
each other, but below specifications, replace the
power steering pump.
If the power steering pump requires replacement,
refer to the section Power Steering Pump within this
group for the removal and installation procedure.
CAUTION: During the next step, do not force the
pump to operate against the stops for more than 5
seconds at a time as pump damage may result.
(6) Completely open the valve on the Power Steer-
ing Analyzer flow meter. Turn the steering wheel to
the extreme left until the stop in the steering gear is
met, then turn the steering wheel to the right until
the right stop is met. Record the highest indicated
pressure at each position. Compare the recorded
readings to the specifications. If the highest output
pressure reading against one stop is not within 345
kPa (50 psi) of the highest reading at the other stop,
the steering gear is leaking internally and must be
replaced.
If the power steering gear requires replacement,
refer to the section POWER STEERING GEAR
within this group for the removal and installation
procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: Use only Mopar
or an equivalent designed for this power steering
system. Do not use automatic transmission fluid.
The power steering fluid level can be viewed
through the side of the power steering fluid reservoir.
There are three levels listed on the side of the reser-
voir, MIN. COLD, MAX. COLD and MAX. HOT.
When the fluid is at normal ambient temperature,
approximately 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F), the fluid
level should read between the minimum and maxi-
mum cold markings. When the fluid is hot, fluid level
is allowed to read higher, up to the Maximum Hot
marking on the reservoir.
In all power steering systems, use only Mopar
Power Steering Fluid, or its equivalent. Before open-
ing power steering system, wipe the reservoir filler
Power Steering Fluid
cap free of dirt and debris. Do not overfill the power
steering system.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: POWER
PARTS AND EXHAUST
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: When the system is open, cap all open
ends of the hoses, power steering pump fittings or
power steering gear ports to prevent entry of for-
eign material into the components.
CAUTION: Do not use any type of automatic trans-
mission fluid in the power steering system. Use
only correct Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equiv-
alent.
POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
NOTE: Before proceeding with this removal and
installation procedure, review SERVICE WARNINGS
AND CAUTIONS at the beginning of REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION in this section.
REMOVAL
(1) Siphon as much fluid as possible from the
power steering fluid reservoir.
(2) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE section for
the correct lifting procedure.
(3) Back out the tube nut securing the power
steering fluid pressure hose to the gear (Fig. 6).
(4) Pull the hose tube out of the gear and drain
the fluid from the hose.
(5) Remove the bolts securing the pressure hose
routing clamps to the engine's structural collar (Fig.
7).
(6) Remove the bolt securing the pressure hose
routing clamp to the front of the engine (Fig. 8).
(7) Remove the right front tire and wheel assem-
bly.
STEERING FLUID,
SYSTEM MAY
PT
ENGINE
BE