Bleed Procedure

Tools Required

• J 35555  Mity Vac. See Special Tools and Equipment .
• J 43485  Power Steering Bleeder Adapter. See Special Tools and Equipment .

NOTE: If the power steering system has been serviced, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be obtained unless air is bled from the steering system. The air in the fluid may cause pump cavitation noise and may cause pump damage over a period of time.
NOTE: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
IMPORTANT: Hoses touching the frame, body, or engine may cause system noise.
• Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: Loose connections may not leak, but may allow air into the steering system.
• Verify that all of the hose connections are tight.

IMPORTANT: Maintain the fluid level throughout the bleeding procedure.
1. Remove the reservoir cap (1).
Fig 1: Rack & Pinion System View
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Inspect the fluid level. Add fluid, if necessary. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
3. Attach the J 43485  to the. See Special Tools and Equipment .J 35555  or equivalent.
4. Place the J 43485  on the reservoir filler neck. See Special Tools and Equipment .
5. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
6. Wait 5 minutes.

   Typical vacuum drop is 7-10 kPa (2-3 in Hg). If the vacuum does not remain steady, refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Power Steering System (w/o Electro-Hydraulic Steering) .

Fig 2: Bleeding Power Steering System Using J 43485 & J 35555
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Remove the J 43485  and the. See Special Tools and Equipment .J 35555  .
8. Reinstall the pump reservoir cap (1).
9. START the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
10. Turn OFF the engine.
11. Inspect the fluid level. Add fluid, if necessary. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
12. START the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
13. Partially raise and support the vehicle in order to allow the front tires and wheels to turn freely. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
14. Verify the front tires and wheels are in the straight ahead position.
IMPORTANT: Do not turn the steering wheel to lock.
15. Turn the steering wheel 180-360 degrees in both directions 5 times.
16. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
17. Remove the reservoir cap (1).
18. Inspect the fluid level. Add fluid, if necessary. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
Fig 3: Bleeding Power Steering System Using J 43485 & J 35555
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
19. Attach the J 43485  to the. See Special Tools and Equipment .J 35555  .
20. Place the J 43485  on the reservoir filler neck. See Special Tools and Equipment .
21. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
22. Wait 5 minutes.
23. Remove the J 43485  and the. See Special Tools and Equipment .J 35555  .
24. Inspect the fluid level. Add fluid, if necessary. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
Fig 4: Rack & Pinion System View
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
25. Install the reservoir cap (1).
26. Lower the vehicle.
27. Verify the following conditions:
    • There is smooth power assist.
    • The vehicle operates quietly.
    • The pump maintains the proper fluid level.
    • There is no leaking in the steering system.
    • The fluid is free of foam or discoloration.
    Fig 5: Rack & Pinion System View
    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.