Power Steering Bleeding: Service and Repair
BLEED PROCEDURE- Tools Required
- J 35555 Mity Vac
- J 43485 Power Steering Bleeder Adapter
1. Bleed the power steering system for the following reasons:
- Power steering system components replaced
- Power steering fluid line disconnected
- Power steering system noise occurs
- Prevention of power steering pump damage
- Proper power steering system operation
IMPORTANT: Use the proper, NEW power steering fluid only. See the Maintenance and Lubrication subsection for fluid specifications.
IMPORTANT: Power steering hoses touching the frame, body or engine can cause system noise.
IMPORTANT: The power steering hoses must not touch any other part of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: Loose power steering connections may not leak, but could allow air into the power steering system.
2. Verify that all power steering hose connections are tight.
IMPORTANT: Maintain the power steering fluid level throughout the bleeding procedure.
3. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap.
4. Fill the power steering pump reservoir with power steering fluid to the "FULL COLD" level.
5. Attach the J 43485 to the J 35555 or an equivalent.
6. Place the J 43485 on the power steering pump reservoir filler neck.
7. Apply a vacuum of 20 Hg. maximum.
8. Wait 5 minutes.
9. Typical vacuum drop is 2-3 in Hg. If the vacuum does not remain steady, refer to Special Conditions at the end of this procedure.
10. Reinstall the power steering pump reservoir cap.
11. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
12. Turn off the engine.
13. Verify the power steering fluid level. Repeat steps 8 through 10 until fluid stabilizes.
14. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
IMPORTANT: Do not turn steering wheel to lock.
15. Turn the steering wheel 180-360 degrees in both directions 5 times.
16. Switch the ignition off.
17. Verify the power steering fluid level.
18. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap.
19. Attach the J 43485 to the J 35555 or an equivalent.
20. Place the J 43485 on the power steering pump reservoir filler neck.
21. Apply a vacuum of 20 Hg. maximum.
22. Wait 5 minutes.
23. Typical vacuum drop is 2-3 in Hg. If the vacuum does not remain steady, refer to Special Conditions at the end of this procedure.
24. Reinstall the power steering pump reservoir cap.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS PROCEDURE
- Tools Required
- J 35555 Mity Vac
- J 43485 Power Steering Bleeder Adapter
1. If the vacuum continues to drop, remove the power steering pressure and the power steering return hose from the power steering pump.
2. Install the plugs (1), (2) supplied with J 43485 into the power steering return port and the power steering pressure port.
1. Attach the J 43485 to the J 35555 or an equivalent.
2. Place the J 43485 on the power steering pump reservoir filler neck.
3. Apply a vacuum of 20 Hg maximum.
4. If the vacuum drops again, repair or replace the power steering pump. If the vacuum holds steady, continue to check the other parts of the power steering system.
IMPORTANT: Power steering fluid must be free from bubbles. Be aware of periodic bubbles that indicate a loose connection or leaking O-ring seal in the power steering return hose or the power steering pressure line.
IMPORTANT: Power steering fluid must be free from discoloration.
5. Observe the power steering fluid.
6. If condition persists, replace the following parts:
- The return hose clamps
- The return hose O-rings
- The pressure hose O-rings
- The gear cylinder line O-rings
- The reservoir to pump O-ring
7. Repeat the power steering bleeding procedure from the beginning.
8. Drive the vehicle approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) to warm the power steering system to operating temperature. Evaluate vehicle on a smooth flat surface.
9. To check for noise problems, verify the following items:
- There is smooth power assist.
- The vehicle operates quietly.
- The power steering pump maintains the proper power steering fluid level.
- There is no leaking in the power steering system.
- The power steering fluid is free of foam or discoloration.