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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE2004BRAVADA RWDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1386 (POWER STEERING SYSTEM)DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURESPOWER STEERING SYSTEM TEST PROCEDURETEST DESCRIPTION
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWD

Test Description

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWDSECTION Test Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. 5:  This step tests the system for restrictions.
  2. 7:  This step tests the following components for the following conditions:
    • The pump for internal leaks
    • The power steering pipes for kinks
  3. 8:  This step tests the ability of the pump to regulate flow at maximum pressure.
  4. 10:  This step tests the ability of the pump to regulate flow under normal operating conditions.
  5. 12:  This step tests the internal components of the pump and the gear.
Power Steering System Test Procedure

Step Action Value(s) Yes No
DEFINITION: The Power Steering System Test Procedure will perform the following functions:
  • Test the operation of the hydraulic power steering system.
  • Test the operation of the power steering pump and power steering gear.
  • Identify restrictions in the system.
1 Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:
  • Milky fluid-water
  • Brown fluid-burnt
  • Debris in fluid-plastic or dirt

Is the fluid free of contamination?		 - Go to Step 3  Go to Step 2 
2 Flush the power steering system. Refer to Flushing the Power Steering System .
Did you complete the procedure?		 - Go to Step 3  -
3
IMPORTANT: In order to accurately diagnose the system, the malfunction must be present during the test procedure.
Attempt to duplicate the condition.
Is the condition present?
 - Go to Step 4  System OK
4
  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle in order to catch any power steering fluid.
  3. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose from the power steering gear.
  4. Install the J 44721  Power Steering System Analyzer. See Special Tools and Equipment .
  5. Fill the power steering system. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
  6. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System .
Did you complete the installation?		 - Go to Step 5  -
5 
  1. Fully open the J 44721  valve. See Special Tools and Equipment .
  2. Start the engine.
    3. NOTE: Refer to Steering Wheel in the Full Turn Position Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  3. Turn the steering wheel and BRIEFLY hold the steering wheel against the steering stop in order to release any trapped air from the system.
  4. Inspect and ensure that all of the power steering pipe/hose connections are not leaking.
  5. With the steering wheel OFF the steering stop, observe the pressure reading.
Is the pressure reading greater than the specified value?		 1379 kPa
(200 psi)		 Go to Step 6  Go to Step 7 
6
IMPORTANT: A restriction may be present in the power steering system. Turn off the engine IMMEDIATELY.
Locate and repair the restriction.Did you complete the repair?		 - Go to Step 18  -
7 
  1. Allow the engine to run until the engine reaches full operating temperature.
  2. Record the pressure reading and flow reading.
  3. Partially close the J 44721  valve until the system pressure reaches the specified value, then record the FLOW reading. See Special Tools and Equipment .
  4. Subtract the second flow reading from the first flow reading.
Is the flow DECREASE greater than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute?		 4827 kPa
(700 psi)		 Go to Step 13  Go to Step 8 
8 
NOTE: Do not leave the valve fully closed for more than 5 seconds, or the pump could be damaged internally.
Fully close then open the J 44721  valve 3 times. See Special Tools and Equipment . Record all of the high pressure readings. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications  for power steering system pressure relief specifications.Are the three high pressure readings within specifications?		 - Go to Step 9  Go to Step 15 
9 Are the three high pressure readings within 245 kPa (50 psi) of each other? - Go to Step 10  Go to Step 14 
10 
  1. Increase the engine speed to approximately 1500 RPM.
  2. Record the flow reading. Refer to Power Steering Pump Specifications  for power steering system flow specifications.
Is the actual flow reading within specifications?		 - Go to Step 11  Go to Step 13 
11 Is the difference between the actual flow reading and the maximum flow specification more than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute? - Go to Step 16  Go to Step 12 
12 
NOTE: Refer to Steering Wheel in the Full Turn Position Notice in Cautions and Notices.
Turn the steering wheel from steering stop to steering stop and record the FLOW readings at each stop.Is the flow LOWER than 3.8 L (1 gal) per minute?		 - Go to Step 18  Go to Step 17 
13 Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .
Did you complete the replacement?		 - Go to Step 18  -
14
  1. Remove the power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - On Vehicle .
  2. Inspect the flow control valve.

    If any burrs or scratches exist on the flow control valve, replace the flow control valve. Do NOT attempt to clean the flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - On Vehicle .

  3. Inspect the flow control valve bore.

    If any burrs or scratches exist in the flow control valve bore, replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?		 - Go to Step 18  -
15 Replace the power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - On Vehicle .
Did you complete the replacement?		 - Go to Step 18  -
16
  1. Remove the power steering pump flow control valve and inspect for any wear or damage. Do NOT disassemble the flow control valve.
  2. If the flow control valve is worn or damaged, replace the flow control valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - On Vehicle .
Did you complete the repair?		 - Go to Step 18  -
17 The power steering gear is leaking across the piston or bypassing the valve circuit. Replace the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement (FWD)  or Power Steering Gear Replacement (AWD) .
Did you complete the replacement?		 - Go to Step 18  -
18 Test the power steering system for the original condition.
Does the original condition still exist?		 - Go to Step 5  Go to Step 19 
19
  1. Disconnect and remove the J 44721  from the vehicle. See Special Tools and Equipment .
  2. Connect the power steering pipes/hoses.
  3. Fill the power steering system. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
  4. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System .
Did you complete the repair?		 - System OK -
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.