TSB Number
9308

Model
All

Part Identifier
4890

Subject:
Power Steering Gear, Diagnosis

May 18, 1993

ATTENTION:
Service Manager/Service Technician

This bulletin supersedes Technical Bulletin Group 4, Number 9007, Book G,
page 115.

Models Affected:
All

Repair Procedure:
In cases where the steering rack appears to be leaking, the following procedure must be applied before replacing the unit.

a. Remove both rubber bellows from the steering rack housing and push aside.

b. Clean the steering rack thoroughly in the area of the rack shaft and seals.

c. At an engine speed of approximately 1000 rpm, turn the steering to the right stop and hold there under light pressure for approximately 5 seconds (the steering wheel should not be turned so hard as to activate the pressure
relief valve). Repeat the procedure with the steering turned to the left stop.


Repeat 8 to 10 times to each side.

If ATF is noticeable on the rack shaft or on the housing in the area of the pinion shaft, replace the rack. If no leaks are found, the oil on the steering rack may be from another source such as the power steering reservoir, hoses, sealing washers, etc.

NOTE:
A light accumulation of oil in the rack boots over an extended period (i.e., between service intervals) should be considered normal and does not warrant replacement of the steering gear. In such cases, the rack boots should be
cleaned free of oil, reinstalled and the fluid level topped off. The vehicle should then be returned to the customer for normal use. In so doing, the rate of oil accumulation in the rack boots can be more efficiently determined and a possible mis-diagnosis avoided.