Power Steering System Bleeding
- Use clean, new power steering fluid type only. See the Maintenance and Lubrication subsection for fluid specifications. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
- Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise. Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.
- Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Verify that all hose connections are tight.
- Fill pump reservoir with fluid to minimum system level, FULL COLD level, or middle of hash mark on cap stick fluid level indicator.
- If equipped with hydro-boost, fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure:
- Start the engine.
- Firmly apply the brake pedal 10-15 times.
- Turn the engine OFF.
- Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Key on engine OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 12 times.
Vehicles equipped with hydro-boost systems or longer length power steering hoses may require turns up to 15 to 20 stop to stops.
- Verify power steering fluid level per operating specification. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (Without Hydroboost) , Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (With Hydroboost) .
- Start the engine. Rotate steering wheel from left to right. Check for sign of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining).
- Verify the fluid level. Repeat the bleed procedure, if necessary.
IMPORTANT:
IMPORTANT:
Power steering fluid level must be maintained throughout bleed procedure.
IMPORTANT:
With hydro-boost only, the oil level will appear falsely high if the hydro-boost accumulator is not fully charged. Do not apply the brake pedal with the engine OFF. This will discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.