🔧 Star Products STATU22 Power Steering and Rack Tester: Accurate Testing for Steering Systems Review

I had a 2002 Ford F250 with no power steering. I couldn't tell if it was the power steering pump or the transmission. I had to make a special adapter out of an old pressure line/hose, but with the help of a tool I was able to find that the pump was only outputting about 50psi!

We bought a set of sensors to diagnose problems with the power steering. If a gauge is connected it will be 0psi when the engine is idling. We thought the pump was defective so we replaced the pump. The same thing. We had to install a lower gauge on this setup to get a reading. It ended up costing us more because of this poor quality tool.

The sticker on the assembly is on the end of the valve when delivered. It should be at the end of the gauge. Here is the photo sticker. The pump connects to the gauge end, not the valve end. If you connect this assembly in reverse you will not see a pressure reading when the valve is closed and this can damage a good pump. I honestly haven't used it yet. So I will come back and update this review after using it. "Do it right", "Measure seven times, cut once".

So the quality is average, the design is terrible, but the design flaw can be corrected. The valve takes over 8 (full 360 degrees) turns to go from fully open to fully closed and takes a VERY long time, especially if you use it in uncomfortable positions. Not only is this annoying, but every manual says you should turn off the pump for less than 3 or 4 seconds or you risk damaging the pump. This is not possible with this valve. It must have a ball valve that opens and closes 90 degrees fully. I