Chrysler 1998 Voyager Service Manual page 1453

NS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
The drive tangs on the pinion mate loosely with a
stub shaft to permit manual steering control to be
maintained if the drive belt on the power steering
pump should break. However, under these conditions,
steering effort will be increased.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
POWER STEERING GEAR
The following procedure can be used to test the
operation of the power steering system on this vehi-
cle. This test will provide the flow rate for the power
steering system along with the maximum relief pres-
sure of the power steering pump. 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 to both hoses using adapter fittings. Connect
spare pressure hose, to power steering pump pres-
sure hose fitting.
(4) Completely open valve on Special Tool 6815.
(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
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 1.9
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 within the specifications and
within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 9653 to 10342 kPa (1400 to 1500 psi.).
• If power steering pump pressures are within
specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other, then replace power steering pump.
• If pressures are 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.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STEERING GEAR
NOTE: The power steering gear should NOT be ser-
viced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak
occurs, the complete steering gear assembly must
be replaced.
REMOVE
CAUTION: Positioning the steering column in the
locked position will prevent the clockspring from
being accidentally over-extended when the steering
column is disconnected from the intermediate
steering coupler.
STEERING 19 - 27