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 temperature of fluid in 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 oil pump increases to maximum. This will raise oil 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.

   Oil pump maximum standard pressure: 

   • 8,100-8,700 kPa (82.62-88.74 kg/cm ²  , 1,174.5-1,261.5 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 POWER STEERING OIL PUMP .
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 is damaged. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION " .
   • If pressure remains below maximum operating pressure, pump is 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 .