This vehicle comes with power steering as standard equipment and it is the only steering system available. The
power steering system consists of these major components:

•

Power Steering Pump

•

Power Steering Gear

•

Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

•

Power Steering Fluid Pressure Hose

•

Power Steering Fluid Return Hose

•

Power Steering Fluid Cooler

For information on the first two components, refer to their respective sections within this service manual group. Infor-
mation on the remaining components can be found in Power Steering Pump.

OPERATION - POWER STEERING SYSTEM

Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear (side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the helical pinion
teeth with the rack teeth within the steering gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the
direction of the vehicle’s front wheels.

Power assist steering is provided by a belt driven rotary type pump. It directs fluid through power steering fluid
hoses to the power steering gear where it is used to assist the driver’s turning effort.

Manual steering control of the vehicle can be maintained if power steering assist is lost. However, under this con-
dition, steering effort is significantly increased.

WARNING

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

WARNING: Power steering fluid, engine parts and exhaust system may be extremely hot if engine has been
running. Do not start engine with any loose or disconnected 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 foreign material into the components.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

HYDRAULIC FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST

WARNING: To prevent personal injury, safety goggles should be worn at all times while performing any test
procedures on the power steering system.

The following procedure is to be used to test the operation of the power steering system on this vehicle. This test
will provide the flow rate (Gallons Per Minute (GPM)) of the power steering pump along with the maximum relief
pressure. Perform this test any time a power steering system problem is present. This test will help determine if the
power steering pump or power steering gear is not functioning properly. The test is performed using tools in the

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STEERING

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