For 1990-2009 cars

# Info - Guidelines for Use of Essential Tool J 44721 Power Steering System Analyzer

Subject: | Guidelines For Use of Essential Tool J 44721 Power Steering System Analyzer

Models: | 1997-2002 Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

| with Power Steering

Every General Motors dealer has received a power steering pressure and flow analyzer J 44721, or update kit J 44721-upd. This bulletin is being sent to help answer questions regarding the use of the J 44721 analyzer and inform service personnel of the additional diagnosis time for the installation and use of the analyzer.

Over the last year, GM Product Engineering and Delphi Steering Systems have worked with select GM dealers using this tool to properly diagnose and correct conditions with power steering gears and pumps. The results of this cooperative effort show a significant decrease in unnecessary pump and gear replacement. This new tool gives the GM dealer a competitive advantage in the area of power steering repair and will help GM technicians to fix vehicles "right the first time."

The J 44721 Power Steering Analyzer is intended to aid diagnosis of power steering systems and is very easy to use. The technician can use this tool to eliminate the hydraulic portion of the power steering system as the cause of specific customer concerns.

Use tool J 44721 and Service Manual diagnostics for the following concerns:

• | Excessive effort required when turning

• | Too little effort required when turning

• | Noise conditions that may be related to the hydraulic system (i.e. pump whine/laboring)

Important: If the diagnosis indicates pump and/or steering gear meet the published pressure and flow specifications, do not arbitrarily replace either component. Refer to published Service Information such as SI2000 or Service Bulletins for further diagnosis.

Do not use tool J 44721 for the following concerns:

• | Known power steering concerns currently addressed by published Service Bulletins

• | Power steering system external leaks

• | Mechanical (non-hydraulic) noise conditions (shudder, rattle, etc.)

Use the tool by installing the J 44721 analyzer in series on the pressure side of the hydraulic power steering system. Use the adapters included in the kit and install the J 44721 on the most accessible pressure fitting. Any location on the pressure side of the system is acceptable such as:

• | Power steering pump outlet at the power steering pump

• | Power steering pressure line at the steering gear

• | Power steering pressure line at the hydroboost booster (if applicable)

Refer to the appropriate vehicle Service Manual and perform the power steering system test procedure.

You may claim 0.0 to 0.5 hours of diagnosis time, depending on actual time spent performing diagnosis. Additional labor time for the use of J 44721 can be submitted for the following labor operations.

Labor Operation | Description
--- | ---
E8440 | Valve, P/S Pump Flow Ctl - Replace
E9040 | Pump Assembly, P/S - R&R
E9050 | Pump Assembly, P/S - Replace
E9720 | Gear Assembly, P/S - R&R
E9730 | Gear Assembly, P/S Short - Replace
E9740 | Gear Assembly, P/S - Replace
E9750 | Solenoid, Speed Sensitive Str - Replace

The use of additional labor time is subject to review and the guidelines given in this bulletin.

#### U.S. Dealers

A power steering system training video was previously provided to all GM dealers to help technicians in diagnosing steering system concerns. GM recommends all dealership steering/suspension technicians review this video. Additional copies of this video can be obtained by contacting Kent-Moore Tools at 1-800-GM TOOLS and requesting J 44721-VID.