Power Steering System Bleeding
IMPORTANT:
- Use clean, new power steering fluid from a sealed container.
- 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.
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.
- Fill power steering pump reservoir with fluid to minimum system level, FULL COLD level, or middle of hash mark on power steering pump reservoir cap stick fluid level indicator. Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
- Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Key on engine OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 10 times.
- Verify power steering fluid level.
- Repeat the bleed procedure, if necessary (starting with step 1) until the power steering fluid level is at the middle hash mark of full cold level mark on the power steering pump reservoir cap stick.
- Upon completion of initial power steering bleed:
- With the power steering fluid reservoir cap removed from reservoir, start the engine.
- Charge the brake booster accumulator by rotating the steering wheel until it hits the end of travel in either direction.
- Firmly apply the brake pedal 5 to 10 times to verify the brake functionality.
- Turn the engine off.
- Verify the fluid level per specification.
- Add fluid as necessary.
- Secure the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
- Upon completion of final power steering bleed:
- Start the engine.
- Rotate the steering wheel from left to right.
- Check for sign of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining).
- Repeat steps 1 - 7 as necessary.