If you’re like most drivers, you worry about the safety of your vehicle and want to make sure that everything is in good working order. One way to do this is to check the pressure of your power steering pump. In this article, we’ll show you how to test the pressure of a power steering pump.
What is a power steering pump?
A power steering pump is an essential component of your car’s engine, and it’s responsible for transferring power from the engine to the electric motor that turns the wheels. A worn or malfunctioning power steering pump can cause decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and even dangerous situations.
Here are some easy steps you can take to test your power steering pump pressure:
1. Park your car in a level spot and turn off the ignition.
2. Disconnect the Positive (+) battery cable.
3. Open the hood and locate the power steering reservoir ( usually located on the drivers side below the windshield).
4. Pump the reservoir up and down several times to refill it with air.
5. Reconnect the Positive (+) battery cable and turn on the ignition.
6. Observe how quickly and easily the car moves in response to turning the wheel. If there is a problem with your power steering pump, you may experience difficulty moving the car in response to turning the wheel or poor performance overall.
What are the signs of a power steering pump failure?
There are typically three signs that a power steering pump failure is occurring: the engine will not turn over, the steering wheel will not turn, and the car will not move. It is important to have a mechanic inspect the power steering system if any of these signs are present.
How to test power steering pump pressure
If you’ve ever wondered how to test the pressure of your power steering pump, wonder no more! Here’s a quick and easy way to do it.
To test the pressure of your power steering pump, start by attaching a hose to the output of the pump. Next, connect the other end of the hose to a pressure gauge. Position the gauge so that it reads approximately 20 psi (pounds per square inch).
Now turn on the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Once it’s idled, use the pump’s throttle to increase RPMs. The resulting increase in pressure should register on the gauge. If there is an issue with your power steering system, this test will help you pinpoint it.
What to do if you find that your power steering pump pressure is low?
If you find that your power steering pump pressure is low, there are a few things that you can do to check the system and fix the issue. First, you can measure your engine’s PSI (pounds per square inch) with a gauge. If the PSI is below the manufacturer’s specification, it may be indicative of a problem with the power steering pump. Next, you can inspect all of the hoses and lines that connect the power steering pump to the vehicle’s system. If there are any leaks or damage, this may cause the system to lose pressure. Finally, you can test the power steering pump by installing a pressure unit and checking its output. If the pump is able to produce enough pressure, then there is likely no problem with the system.