Pressure/Flow Test
- With engine idling, record flow reading on analyzer gauge. Pump may need repair or replacement if minimum flow is less than 1.6 gallons (6.1L) per minute on Explorer and Ranger, or less than 2 gallons (7.6L) per minute on Bronco, Pickup and Van. Go to next step.
- At idle, if pressure is greater than 150 psi (11 kg/cm2 ), check hoses for restrictions. Replace as required. Partially close analyzer gate valve to build up pressure to 740 psi (52 kg/cm2 ) for C-II pump or 620 psi (44 kg/cm2 ) for Saginaw pump.
- If flow drops to less than specification, disassemble pump and replace cam pack assembly. Replace pressure plates if cracked or worn.
- DO NOT close analyzer gate valve for more than 5 seconds. Completely close and partially open gate valve 3 times. Record highest reading each time. If pressure is not within specification, repair or replace flow control valve or pump. See appropriate PRESSURE/FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS table.PRESSURE/FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS
Application Min. Flow (1) Gal/Min. (Liter/Min.) Relief Pressure psi (kg/cm2 ) Saginaw Pump Model HBA-HA/B 1.8 (6.8) 1250-1450 (88-102) Ford C-II Pump Model HBC-JX 1.4 (5.3) 1300-1530 (91-108) Ford C-II Pump Model HBC-JY 1.5 (5.7) 1350-1530 (95-108) (1) Partially close gate valve until pressure reaches 740 psi (52 kg/cm2 ) on C-II pumps or 620 psi 44 kg/cm2 ) on Saginaw pumps. Record reading. PRESSURE/FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONSApplication Min. Flow (1) Gal/Min. (Ltr/Min.) Relief Pressure psi (kg/cm2 ) Ford C-II Pump .95 (3.4) 1050-1230 (74-86) (1) Partially close gate valve until pressure reaches 740 psi (52 kg/cm2 ) on C-II pumps or 620 psi 44 kg/cm2 ) on Saginaw pumps. Record reading. PRESSURE/FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONSApplication Min. Flow (1) Gal/Min. (Ltr/Min.) Relief Pressure psi (kg/cm2 ) Ford C-II Pump .95 (3.4) 1300-1480 (91-104) (1) Partially close gate valve until pressure reaches 740 psi (52 kg/cm2 ) on C-II pumps or 620 psi 44 kg/cm2 ) on Saginaw pumps. Record reading. - Set engine speed at 1500 RPM. Record flow. If flow varies more than one gallon (3.8L) per minute from pressure measured in step 1), flow control valve in pump must be repaired or replaced.
- Turn steering wheel to left and right stops, holding at each stop for 3 seconds. Pressure should be nearly the same as maximum relief pressure. See appropriate PRESSURE/FLOW TEST SPECIFICATIONS table. Flow should drop below .5 gallon (1.9L) per minute.
- If pressure and flow are not as specified, steering gear is leaking internally. Remove steering gear unit. Remove flow control valve. Repair or replace damaged parts. Check control valve seals for damage. See STEERING GEAR UNIT under OVERHAUL.
- If pressure and flow are good, turn steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly while watching pressure gauge. Needle should move from normal backpressure reading when steering wheel is turned, and needle should snap back as wheel is released. If gauge sticks or reacts slowly, rotary valve sleeve assembly in steering gear is sticking. Repair or replace rotary valve sleeve assembly.
- Check fluid for signs of contamination. If system is severely contaminated, disassemble and clean hoses, control valve and pump. After reassembly, if problem still exists, check ball joints, linkage and other front suspension components for seized and sticking parts.