Table of contents: Steering pump drive belt tension…↓ Removal air from the hydraulic…↓ Removal and installation of…↓ Return hydraulic line ↓ Pressure hydraulic line ↓
Steering pump drive belt tension force
Note: Correct adjustment of the drive belt tension ensures that the belt will not slip while not creating excessive loads on either the belt itself or the pump bearings.
The belt tension force is measured in the middle of its straight section between the crankshaft and steering pump pulleys. Press firmly on the belt at the specified point with your thumb; the deflection value should correspond to the standard requirements.
Removal air from the hydraulic system (bleeding)
1. Make sure that the system reservoir is filled with the correct grade of hydraulic fluid (see size and adjustment tables at the end of the Guide).
2. Jack up the front of the car and place it on supports.
3. Without starting the engine, quickly turn the steering wheel from left to right several times from lock to lock. Do not hold the wheel in the extreme positions for more than fifteen seconds.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. Top up if necessary.
5. If the fluid in the steering pump reservoir is excessively saturated with air (aerated), or there is increased noise level from the pump, repeat the procedures described in the two previous paragraphs.
Removal and installation of hydraulic lines connecting the power steering pump to the steering gear
Note: After performing procedures that may introduce air into the hydraulic system, the hydraulic system must be bled (see Primary checks).
Return hydraulic line
1. The return line is made in the form of a regular steel tube connected to high-pressure hoses using clamps. To replace the hose, it is necessary to loosen the fastening clamps, and then pull the hose off the nipple part of the tube.
2. When installing new hoses, their ends should be lubricated from the inside with transmission fluid (ATF).
3. The return line is connected to the steering gear via a union connector on a hollow bolt. Replace the copper sealing washers before connecting the connector components.
Pressure hydraulic line
1. The pressure line is a single piece of tube with hoses stretched over it. If leaks occur, the entire line must be replaced.
2. Loosen the hollow bolt of the nipple connector on the steering pump and disconnect the line from the latter.
3. Loosen the bracket bolts near the crankshaft pulley and steering gear. Release the line from the brackets.
4. Loosen the hollow bolt of the nipple connector on the steering gear and disconnect the line from the latter.
5. Remove the line from the vehicle.
Installation is carried out in reverse order.
Replace the copper sealing washers before connecting the nipple connectors.