Checking Hydraulic System

Before starting, check belt tension, driving pulley and tire pressure.

1. Set Tool. Open shut-off valve. Then bleed air. Refer to Bleeding Hydraulic System"Bleeding Hydraulic System .
2. Run engine, at idle speed or 1, 000 RPM.

   Make sure fluid temperature in reservoir tank rises to 60 to 80°C (140 to 176°F).

   WARNING: Warm up engine with shut-off valve fully opened. If engine is started with shut-off valve closed, fluid pressure in the power steering pump increase to maximum. This will raise fluid temperature abnormally.
   Fig 1: Identifying Hydraulic System

   Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
3. Check pressure with steering wheel fully turned to left and right positions with engine idling at 1, 000 RPM.
   CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more than 15 seconds.
   1. Power steering pump maximum operating pressure: 8, 630 - 9, 219 kPa 
   2. (88 - 94 kg/cm ²  , 1, 251 - 1, 337 psi) 
   • If pressure reaches maximum operating pressure, system is OK.
   • If pressure increases above maximum operating pressure, check power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to Disassembly  .
4. If power steering pressure is below the maximum operating pressure, slowly close shut-off valve and check pressure again.
   CAUTION: Do not close shut-off valve for more than 15 seconds.
   • If pressure increases to maximum operating pressure, gear should be damaged. Refer to Removal and Installation .
   • If pressure remains below maximum operating pressure, pump should be damaged. Refer to Disassembly .
5. After checking hydraulic system, remove Tool and add fluid as necessary. Then completely bleed air out of system. Refer to Bleeding Hydraulic System  .