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 ".
2. Run engine, at idle speed or 1,000 rpm.

   Make sure fluid temperature in reservoir tank rises to 50 to 80°C (122 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: Checking Hydraulic System

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
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.

   Power steering pump maximum operating pressure: 

   8,630 - 9,219 kPa 

   (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 .