Chrysler PT Cruiser Service & Repair Manual page 1349

PT
STEERING (Continued)
hoses, until the air is out of the fluid. Shut the off
engine.
(3) Check the power steering fluid level and add
fluid as necessary. Start the engine again and let
idle.
(4) The analyzer gauge should read below 862 kPa
(125 psi). If above, inspect the hoses for restrictions
and repair as necessary. The initial pressure should
be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi). The flow
meter should read between 1.5 and 1.7 GPM.
CAUTION: The following
involves testing maximum pump pressure output
and flow control valve operation. Do not leave valve
closed for more than five seconds as the pump
could be damaged.
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 9308 to 9998 kPa (1350 to 1450 psi.).
(5) Close the flow meter valve fully three times
and record highest pressure indicated each time. All
three readings must be above specifications
and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
• 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.
POWER STEERING NOISE
CONDITION
OBJECTIONABLE HISS
OR WHISTLE*
RATTLE OR CLUNK
test procedure step
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Damaged or mispositioned
steering column shaft/coupling dash
panel seal.
2. Noisy valve in power steering
gear.
1. Power steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.
2. Front suspension crossmember
mounting fasteners loose at frame.
3. Loose tie rod (outer or inner).
4. Loose lower control arm mounting
bolts at front suspension
crossmember.
5. Loose strut assembly mounting
fasteners at strut tower.
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 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover the topics Power Steering Noise, Steer-
ing Wheel Feel, and Power Steering Fluid.
1. Reposition or replace steering
column shaft/coupling dash panel seal.
2. Replace power steering gear.
1. Inspect power steering gear
mounting bolts. Replace as necessary.
Tighten to the specified torque.
2. Tighten the front suspension
crossmember mounting fasteners to the
specified torque.
3. Check tie rod pivot points for wear.
Replace worn/loose parts as required.
4. Tighten control arm mounting bolts to
the specified torques.
5. Tighten strut assembly fasteners to
the specified torques.
STEERING 19 - 3
CORRECTION