specifications,  an  overhaul  of  the  system  will  be required. For instructions on the removal/installation and overhaul  of  the  rack-and-pinion  system,  refer  to  the manufacturer’s service manual for the equipment you are repairing. Power Steering System Service Many   of   the   components   of   a   power   steering system are the same as those used on a manual steering system. However, a pump, hoses, a power piston, and a control  valve  are  added.  These  components  can  also fail.  requiring  repair  or  replacement.  Power  steering system service typically consists of the following: Checking power steering fluid level Checking belts and hoses Checking the system for leaks Pressure testing the system Bleeding the system CHECKING  POWER  STEERING  FLUID.— To  check  the  level  of  the  power  steering  fluid,  you should NOT let the engine run. With the parking brake set,   place   the   transmission   in   either   PARK   or NEUTRAL. Basic procedures for checking the level of the power steering fluid are as follows: Unscrew  and  remove  the  cap  to  the  power steering reservoir. The cap will normally have a dipstick attached. Wipe  off  the  dipstick  and  reinstall  the  cap. Remove the cap and inspect the level of the fluid on the dipstick.  Most  dipsticks  will  have  HOT  and  COLD markings. Make sure you read the correct marking on the dipstick. NOTE The fluid level will rise on the dipstick as the steering system warms. If  required,  only  add  enough  fluid  to  reach  the correct  mark  on  the  dipstick.  Automatic  transmission fluid  is  commonly  used  in  a  power  steering  system. Some  power  steering  systems,  however,  do  NOT  use automatic   transmission   fluid   and   require   a   special power   steering   fluid.   Always   refer   to   the manufacturer’s service for the correct type of fluid for your system. CAUTION Do  NOT  overfill  the  system.  Overfilling will  cause  fluid  to  spray  out  the  top  of  the reservoir  and  onto  the  engine  and  other components. SERVICING  POWER  STEERING  HOSES AND BELT.—Always  inspect  the  condition  of  the hoses and the belt very carefully. The hoses are exposed to tremendous pressures; if a hose ruptures, a sudden and dangerous loss of power assist occurs. Make sure that the hose is NOT rubbing on moving or hot components. This can cause hose failure. CAUTION Power steering pump pressure can exceed 1,000  psi.  This  is  enough  pressure  to  cause serious eye injury. Wear eye protection when working on a power steering system. If it is necessary to replace a power steering hose, use  a  flare  nut  or  tubing  wrench.  This  action  will prevent  you  from  stripping  the  nut.  When  starting  a new  hose  fitting,  use  your  hand.  This  action  will prevent  cross  threading.  Always  tighten  the  hose  fitting properly. A loose power steering belt can slip, causing belt squeal  and  erratic  or  high  steering  effort.  A  worn  or cracked belt may break during operation, which would cause a loss of power assist. When  it  is  necessary  to  tighten  a  power  steering belt,  do  NOT  pry  on  the  side  of  the  power  steering pump.  The  thin  housing  on  the  pump  can  easily  be dented  and  ruined.  ONLY  pry  on  the  reinforced flanged or a recommended point. The  basic  procedures  for  installing  a  power steering belt are as follows: Loosen  the  bolts  that  hold  the  power  steering pump to its brackets. Push inward on the pump to release tension on the belt. With the tension removed, slide the belt from the pulley. Obtain  a  new  belt  and  install  it  in  reverse  order. Remember   when   adjusting   belt   tension   to specifications,  only  pry  on  the  reinforced  flange  or  a recommended pry point. POWER  STEERING  LEAKS.—A    common problem with power steering systems is fluid leakage. With pressure over 1,000 psi, leaks can develop easily 8-27