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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSBUICK1998REGAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITIONREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)STEERINGPOWER STEERINGPOWER RACK & PINION STEERINGTESTINGPRESSURE TEST
1998 Buick Regal 25th Anniversary Edition
Pressure Test
1998 Buick Regal 25th Anniversary EditionSECTION Pressure Test
- Disconnect high pressure line from power steering pump. Connect power steering pressure tester gauge between high pressure line and power steering pump, using appropriate adapters. Completely open tester valve.
- Run engine until fluid reaches operating temperature. Stop engine. Check fluid level. Add fluid if necessary. Start engine. On "C", "E", "G", "H" and "K" bodies, with valve open and engine idling, pressure should be 80-125 psi (6-9 kg/cm2 ). On all other models, pressure should be less than 150 psi (10.5 kg/cm2 ). If pressure exceeds 200 psi (14 kg/cm2 ), stop engine and check for restriction in hose(s).
- While observing pressure gauge, fully close valve for less than 5 seconds and then open it. Repeat process 2 more times, and record highest pressure displayed each time valve is closed. If readings are as specified and within 50 psi (4 kg/cm2
) of each other, go to step 6. See PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table. If readings are as specified but not within 50 psi (4 kg/cm2
) of each other, go to next step. If readings are not as specified but within 50 psi (4 kg/cm2
) of each other, go to step 5.PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS
Application psi (kg/cm2 ) "C", "E", "G", "H" & "K" Bodies More Than 1500 (105) "F", J", "V" & "W" Bodies More Than 1000 (70) "Y" Body More Than 1250 (86) - Check for sticking flow control valve. Remove valve but DO NOT disassemble. Clean valve using crocus cloth or fine hone. Flush system, if dirty. Install valve and retest system. If readings are now as specified, go to step 6. If reading are not as specified, go to next step.
- Replace flow control valve and retest system. If pressure readings are still low, check pump rotor and vanes for wear. Replace complete pump assembly if worn and flush power steering system. If pressure readings are as specified, go to step 7.
- With valve open, turn steering wheel from stop to stop. Record highest pressure with wheels at both stops. If highest pressure is not equal to highest pressure recorded in step 3, rack and pinion assembly is leaking internally. Repair or replace assembly. If pressures are equal, no problem exists. Go to next step.
- Turn engine off. Remove tester. Reconnect high pressure hose to pump. Check fluid level. Bleed hydraulic system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING under LUBRICATION.
CAUTION:
To prevent pump damage, DO NOT hold gauge valve closed for more than 5 seconds.
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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.