Power Steering System Bleeding: Bleeding
- Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the MAX mark with power steering fluid.
- Start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock once.
- Switch OFF the engine and examine the hose connections, steering gear boots, steering gear valve body and power steering pump for external leaks.
- Check the power steering fluid reservoir fluid level. Fill as necessary.
- Using the special tool, bleed the power steering system.
- Start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock once; then turn the steering wheel to the right, just off the lock stop.
- Switch OFF the engine and apply a vacuum of 51 kPa (15 in-Hg). Maintain the vacuum (minimum of five minutes) until the air is evacuated from the system.
- Release the vacuum at the special tool.
- Repeat the bleed procedure, turning the steering wheel to the left, just off the lock stop.
- Remove the special tool and fill the power steering fluid reservoir as necessary.
- Start the engine, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. If excessive noise is apparent, repeat the bleed procedure.
- If the noise level is still unacceptable, leave the vehicle standing overnight then repeat the bleed procedure.
NOTE:
When filling the reservoir, make sure that the power steering fluid is clean and not agitated prior to use. The fluid should be poured slowly into the reservoir to minimize the possibility of aeration. The fluid level should be checked with the fluid cold.
CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel against the lock stops for more than five seconds. Failure to follow this instruction may result in damage to the power steering pump.
NOTE:
Make sure that the fluid in the reservoir does not fall below the MIN mark, as air could enter the system.
NOTE:
When bleeding the system, the vacuum will decrease. Using the special tool, maintain a vacuum of 51 kPa (15 in-Hg). If the vacuum decreases by more than 7 kPa (2in-Hg) in five minutes the system should be checked for leaks.