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Hydraulic System Pressure Test

  1. Disconnect high pressure hose at power steering pump. Install Pressure Gauge (J-26357 ) between power steering pump and steering gear. See Fig 1 . Open valve and bleed air from system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING  in this article. Check fluid level.
  2. Start and run engine, allowing reservoir fluid temperature to reach 140-176°F (60-80°C). Check pressure quickly with wheel turned to full-lock position on left and right sides.
    NOTE: DO NOT  hold steering wheel at or near lock position for more than 15 seconds.
  3. Compare pressure reading with HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  4. If pressure is lower than specification, slowly close shut-off valve and note pressure. DO NOT  close shut-off valve for more than 15 seconds. If pressure now reads within specification, power steering pump is okay and steering gear is defective. If pressure reading is still not within specification, power steering pump is defective. Remove pressure gauge and bleed system.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

Application psi (kg/cm2 )
Axxess 1109-1194 (78-84)
Maxima & Stanza 1067-1209 (75-85)
Pulsar NX 896-981 (63-69)
Sentra 924 (65)
240SX 924-1067 (65-75)
300ZX 1138 (80)
Fig 1: Checking Hydraulic System Pressure
G59043Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
NOTE: Check tire pressure before testing steering wheel turning force.