S T E E R IN G
9 -8 5
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
DIAGNOSIS
Complaints of faulty steering are frequently the result of
problems other than the steering gear or pump. Those
areas of the steering system which can be easily checked
and quickly corrected without disassembly and overhaul
of any major components should be attempted first.
Conditions such as hard or loose steering, road shock or
vibrations are not always due to the steering gear or
pump, but are often related instead to such factors as low
tire pressure and front end alignment. These factors
should be checked and corrected before any adjustment
or disassembly of the power steering gear or pump is
attempted.
SYSTEM CHECKS
Many factors affect power operation of the steering
system, of which the most common are:
1. Fluid level and condition.
2. Drive belt tension.
3. Loose component mountings.
4. Loose pump pulley.
These factors must be checked and corrected before
making any further diagnosis of the steering system. The
need for proper diagnosis cannot be over-emphasized.
After the source of the problem has been found,
determine the cause. For example, if the oil level in the
reservoir is found to be low, refill and check the entire
hydraulic system for oil leaks. Refilling the reservoir will
not necessarily correct problem.
Fluid Level
1. Run engine to normal operating temperature, then
shut engine off. Remove reservoir filler cap and
check oil level to “hot” mark on dipstick.
2. If oil level is low, add hydraulic fluid to proper level
on dipstick and replace filler cap.
NOTE: When adding or making a complete
fluid change, always use GM power steering
fluid or equivalent.
3. When checking fluid level after the steering system
has been serviced, air must be bled from the
system. Proceed as follows:
a. With wheels turned all the way to the left, add
power steering fluid to “Cold” mark on dipstick.
b. Start engine, and running at fast idle, recheck
fluid level. Add fluid if necessary to “Cold”
mark on dipstick.
c. Bleed system by turning wheels from side to side
without hitting stops. Maintain fluid level just
above internal pump casting. Fluid with air in it
will have a light tan or red appearance. This air
must be eliminated from fluid before normal
steering action can be obtained.
d. Return wheels to center position and continue to
run engine for two or three minutes, then shut
engine off.
e. Road test car to make sure steering functions
normally and is free from noise.
f. Recheck fluid level as described in steps 1 and 2,
making sure fluid level is at “hot” mark on
dipstick after the system has stabilized at its
normal operating temperature approximately
170° to 190°F.
BELT ADJUSTMENT
When adjusting a power steering pump belt, never pry
against the pump reservoir or pull against the filler neck.
To increase belt tension move the pump outward by
prying against the pump housing casting extension
directly behind the pump drive pulley.
A belt that has been previously tensioned is considered
to be a used belt and should be tightened to 75 pounds.
A belt that has never been tensioned is considered to be
a new belt and should be tightened to 125 pounds.
Place belt tension gage, J 23600 or equivalent midway
between the pulleys on drive belt being checked. If the
belt tension is incorrect proceed as follows:
1. When power steering pump is driven by a single
belt:
a. Loosen the pump attaching bolts and adjust the
belt to correct tension by moving the pump
outward, away from the engine.
b. Snug all pump mounting bolts and remove pry
bar.
c. Tighten all pump mounting bolts to specified
torque.
d. Check belt tension and remove the belt tension
gage.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CHECKS
The following procedure outlines methods to identify
and isolate power steering hydraulic circuit difficulties.
The test provides means of determining whether power
steering system hydraulic parts are actually faulty, this
test will result in readings indicating faulty hydraulic
operation, and will help to identify the faulty
component.
Before performing hydraulic circuit test, carefully check
belt tension, fluid level and condition of driving pulley.
Power Steering Hydraulic System Test
Engine must be at normal operating temperature. Inflate
front tires to correct pressure. All tests are made with
engine idling, check idle adjustment and if necessary
adjust engine idle speed to correct specifications listed in
Section 6M and proceed as follows:
1. With engine NOT running disconnect pressure hose
from pump and install Tool J-5176 using a spare
LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
Summary of Contents for Light Duty Truck 1973
Page 1: ......
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Page 53: ...HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A 27 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 115: ...LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE M A N U A L HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING 1A 89...
Page 123: ...BODY 1B 3 Fig 6 Typical 06 Van LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 149: ...BODY 1B 29 Fig 84 Body Mounting 06 Fig 85 Body Mounting 14 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 171: ...LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE M A N U A L Fig 2 Frame Horizontal Checking Typical FRAME 2 3...
Page 173: ...LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE M A N U A L Fig 4 10 30 Series Truck Frame FRAME 2 5...
Page 174: ...2 6 FRAME LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL Fig 5 Underbody Reference Points G Van...
Page 185: ...FRONT SUSPENSION 3 11 Fig 16 Toe out on Turns LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
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Page 351: ...ENGINE 6 15 Fig ID Sectional View of Eight Cylinder Engine LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 375: ...EN G IN E 6 39 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 376: ...6 4 0 ENGINE LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 377: ...ENG IN E 6 41 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 378: ...LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL Fig 37L K Series Engine Front Mount 6 42 ENG INE...
Page 400: ...6 6 4 ENG INE LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 401: ...ENG IN E 6 65 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 402: ...6 6 6 ENGINE LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 403: ...E NG IN E 6 67 Fig 36V C Series Engine Mounts LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
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Page 423: ...EN G IN E C OOLING 6K 13 Fig 16 Overheating Chart LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 424: ...6 K 1 4 ENG INE COOLING Fig 17 Coolant Loss Chart LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 456: ...6M 32 ENGINE FUEL Fig K15 Accelerator Controls G Van L 6 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
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Page 512: ...Fig 18e Vacuum Advance Diagram V8 Engine...
Page 516: ...6 T 2 4 E M IS S IO N CONTROL SYSTEMS LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
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Page 593: ...CLUTCHES MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS 7M 3 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 598: ...7M 8 CLUTCHES MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
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Page 743: ...FUEL TANKS AND EXHAUST 8 13 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 744: ...8 14 FUEL TANKS AND EXHAUST LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 760: ...8 30 FUEL TANKS AND EXHAUST Fig 40 Exhaust Pipe P Models LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 761: ...FUEL TANKS AND EXHAUST 8 31 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 763: ...FUEL TANKS AND EXHAUST 8 33 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
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Page 832: ...LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL Fig 106 Power Steering Pump Mounting Typical 9 66 STEERING...
Page 833: ...PUMP ASSEMBLY STEERING GEAR TYPICAL SMALL V8 TYPICAL LARGE V8 STEERING 9 67...
Page 861: ...STEERING 9 95 Fig 134 Power Steering Pump Leakage LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
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Page 886: ...11 10 CHASSIS SHEET METAL LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
Page 891: ...ELECTRICAL BODY AND CHASSIS 12 5 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL...
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