Bleeding the air out of a power steering system is necessary anytime a power steering pump is replaced. Air will displace the fluid in the steering gear assembly and produce a whining noise when running or turning the steering wheel. A unit that makes noise when turning and has not been previously replaced either has a leak to introduce air into the system or has an internal problem.
Instructions
1. Start the engine. Using the line wrench, break the high-pressure line loose at the steering gear. If you are not sure which line is the high side, look at the power steering pump. The highest line that is held in by a flare nut is the high-pressure line. The lowest line is held in with a hose clamp and is the return line or low-pressure line.
2. Run the engine and slowly open the high pressure fitting on the steering gear just until the fluid starts running out. Stop there and hold it open until nothing but fluid is coming out. Tighten the fitting.
3. Fill the power steering reservoir as needed. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock in both directions several times in order to bleed the remaining air out of the system. After this is done fill the reservoir once more.
4. Add some power steering conditioner to the power steering fluid in the pump reservoir. This helps lubricate the seals and prevent leaks. It will also quiet down some power steering pumps, depending on how bad the valve is.
Tips Warnings
Check for leaks first. Get the leaks repaired and then proceed with bleeding the system. It can be bled without finding leaks although it will probably not eliminate the noise. Usually, the check valve in the pump goes bad and that is what is causing the noise. A power steering pump failure is usually do to leaking seals or the relief check valve. It is not to often that a pump flat out does not work. If the steering seems to stick in certain places or get hard in one direction it is usually a fault of the steering gear.
Related Posts:
Troubleshoot A Craftsman Submersible Pump Control System
The pump may shut off if it's not located deep enough in the well.There are many different models of Craftsman submersible pump control systems. Each one has a specific group of features, but many...
Check For Cooling System Leaks In A Dodge Intrepid
To lengthen the life of your Dodge Intrepid, regular maintenance inspections are essential. A simple way to check for coolant leaks is to look underneath the usual parking place for fresh coolant....
Check For Cooling System Leaks In A Ford Focus
If you want to keep your Ford Focus running for many years to come, it's imperative to perform periodic maintenance checks. A convenient way to check for cooling system leaks is to examine the are...
