Chevrolet Trax: Power steering system test

Special Tools

CH-44721 Power Steering Analyzer

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Rack and Pinion System

Fig. 3: Testing Rack and Pinion System Pressures

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

5

This step tests the system for restrictions.

7

This step tests the following components for the following conditions:

• The power steering pump for internal leaks
• The power steering pipes for kinks

8

This step tests the ability of the power steering pump to regulate flow at maximum pressure.

10

This step tests the ability of the power steering pump to regulate flow under normal operating conditions

12

This step tests the internal components of the power steering pump and the steering gear.

Power Steering System Test

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS

Special Tools

GE-28431-6 Fluorescent Dye

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

NOTE:

• If fluid is found on a manual steering gear or on an electronic power steering gear, do not replace steering gear. Vehicles equipped with these systems do not use hydraulic power steering fluid. The fluid may be assembly fluid or another system fluid.
• Clean the components and identify the sources of the leaks before attempting to repair or replace any power steering components. Clearly mark all locations of leaks with paint, marker, or equivalent for warranty identification and engineering root cause analysis.

Some customers may comment on a fluid LEAK or NOISY power steering pump. Upon inspection, the technician may find power steering fluid leaking from the hydraulic power steering system. Use the following inspection procedure in order to diagnose the source of the leak and take appropriate action to correct the condition.

1. Inspect the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid. If the fluid level is NOT low, a careful analysis of the condition is necessary to confirm that the type of fluid is actually power steering fluid.
2. Visually inspect the power steering system and components where the fluid has accumulated.

CAUTION: Do not clean using brake cleaner or other reactive solvents as these solvents can damage rubber gaskets, seals and bushings.

3. Use a clean towel or a rag in order to completely clean off all residual fluid from the power steering components.
4. Add 30 cc (1 oz) of GE-28431-6 dye to the power steering fluid.
5. Start the vehicle and warm the steering system by turning to the left steering stop and to the right steering stop 10 times with the weight of the vehicle on the front tires.
6. Turn vehicle engine OFF.
7. Shine a black light on the area where the residual fluid accumulated. Identify the sources of the leaks.
8. Mark all locations of leaks with paint, marker, or equivalent.
9. Repair or replace all affected components.

RATTLE, CLUNK, OR SHUDDER NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM (NJ1)

Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System (NJ1)

RATTLE, CLUNK, OR SHUDDER NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM (2H0, N40)

Rattle, Clunk, or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System (2H0, N40)

RATTLE, CLUNK, OR SHUDDER NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM (LUJ, N40)

WHINE OR GROWL NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM (N40)

Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (N40)

WHINE OR GROWL NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM (NJ1)

Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System (NJ1)

INCREASE IN EFFORT WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL

Increase in Effort While Turning Steering Wheel

POOR RETURN OF STEERING WHEEL

Poor Return of Steering Wheel

STEERING EFFORT HARD OR TOO EASY IN ONE OR BOTH DIRECTIONS (N40)

Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy in One or Both Directions (N40)

STEERING EFFORT HARD OR TOO EASY IN ONE OR BOTH DIRECTIONS (NJ1)

Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy in One or Both Directions (NJ1)

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