Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Steering System, Checking For Leaks
Following installation operations and with no hydraulic fluid in the expansion tank, the steering system must be checked for leaks.
Affects Vehicles with Air Suspension
-- Place the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to POSITIONING VEHICLE ON HOIST AND WHEELS .
Affects All Vehicles
-- Remove noise insulation. Refer to Description and Operation .
-- Start engine.
-- Turn steering wheel in both directions to full lock and hold briefly.
This builds up the maximum possible pressure.
To avoid damage to pump, steering wheel must not be held at stop longer than 10 seconds during this test.
In this position, the following components must be checked for leaks.
- Seal ring for steering pinion at the steering gear valve housing.
- All line connections.
- Seal rings for steering rack.
This test can only be performed with boot slid back.
-- Open the spring clamp and ear hose clamp on the boot.
-- Slide back boot.
If fluid is visible in steering gear housing and/or in boot, steering gear must be replaced.
-- Place vehicle on wheels. Refer to POSITIONING VEHICLE ON HOIST AND WHEELS .
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.