Power Steering System Bleeding
CAUTION:
Be careful not to place high-tension cable near fuel rail. Perform air bleeding only while cranking engine. If air bleeding is performed while engine is running, air could enter fluid. During air bleeding, refill steering fluid supply so that level never falls below lower mark on dipstick.
CAUTION:
If fluid level rises suddenly after engine is stopped, air has not been completely bled. If air bleeding is not complete, there will be abnormal noises from pump and flow-control valve, and this condition could cause reduce life of power steering components.
- Raise and support front wheels. Disconnect ignition coil connectors (on Eclipse 2.4L, Galant 2.4L, Lancer, Montero, Montero Sport & Outlander) or connector from crankshaft position sensor (on Diamante, Eclipse 3.0L & Galant 3.0L). Turn steering wheel all way to left and right 5-6 times while using starter motor to crank engine intermittently several times (for 15 to 20 seconds).
- Connect ignition coil connectors (on Eclipse 2.4L, Galant 2.4L, Lancer, Montero, Montero Sport & Outlander) or connector from crankshaft position sensor (on Diamante, Eclipse 3.0L & Galant 3.0L). Start engine (idling). Turn steering wheel to left and right until there are no air bubbles in oil reservoir. Confirm that fluid is not milky, and that level is between high and low dipstick marks. Confirm that there is very little change in fluid level when steering wheel is turned left and right.
- Confirm that change in fluid level is no more than 0.2" (5 mm) when engine is stopped and when it is running. If change of fluid level is 0.2" (5 mm) or more, air has not been completely bled from system. Air bleeding procedure must be repeated. See Fig 1.