Power Steering System Bleeding (Integral Reservoir)
Power Steering System Bleeding (Integral Reservoir)
Bleeding Procedure
Be sure to bleed air from the system when the following actions are taken:
- A power steering pump is installed.
- A fluid hose is connected.
If air is present in the power steering fluid system, the steering system will be noisy and will operate unsatisfactorily.
* Use only the specified power steering fluid when bleeding or refilling the system. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations [1][2]Fluid Type Specifications.
* Ensure that the following connections are tightly closed:
- The hose clamps
- The hose connectors
- The fittings
This procedure is designed to minimize the chance of fluid aeration or overflow during the bleeding process.
Notice: When adding or making a complete fluid change, always use clean power steering fluid GM P/N 1050017 or equivalent meeting GM Specification Number 9985010 power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
Important: Ensure that the power steering fluid level is sufficient to maintain fluid in the reservoir at all times during the bleeding procedure. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities [1][2]Capacity Specifications.
1. Install one of the following caps in order to prevent overflow:
* An integral reservoir cap GM P/N 26018909
* A fabricated overflow cap
Fabricate an overflow cap from a reservoir cap (5) with a 1.8 M (6 ft) hydraulic hose (1) attached at the center.
2. Raise the front end of the vehicle off the ground until the wheels are free to rotate. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair in General Information.
3. Remove the drag link at the pitman arm.
Important: The following actions may cause increased steering gear travel:
* Removal of the drag link at the pitman arm
* Turning the steering wheel stop to stop
The poppet valve in the TRW Ross power steering gear may need to be readjusted.
4. Use the poppet adjusting screw assembling kit in order to readjust the poppet valve. Refer to Power Steering Gear Poppet Valve Readjustment (TRW Ross) Power Steering Gear Poppet Valve Readjustment (TRW Ross).
5. Fill the reservoir (2) to within 13 mm (0.5 in) (1) of the top.
Notice: When adding or making a complete fluid change, always use clean power steering fluid GM P/N 1050017 or equivalent meeting GM Specification Number 9985010 power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
6. Leave the cap off.
7. Use the following steps in order to remove trapped air from the hose:
1. Squeeze the return hose near the gearbox.
2. Continue to squeeze the hose toward the reservoir (2).
8. Recheck the reservoir fluid level.
Important: Have an assistant ready to pour power steering fluid into the reservoir (2) the moment the engine starts in order to prevent the entry of air into the system.
9. Use the following steps in order to fill the reservoir:
1. Start the engine.
2. Pour in the fluid.
3. Run the engine for approximately three seconds.
4. Shut the engine off.
10. Wait one minute. Fill the reservoir (3) again.
11. Repeat steps 8 and 9 two more times.
12. Start the engine.
13. Inspect the fluid level (2).
In order to prevent pump aeration throughout the remainder of the procedure, the fluid level should be maintained at the bottom of the reservoir (1).
14. Pump the brake pedal on the hydraulic brake booster, if equipped. Pump at least three times with the engine running in order to eliminate air from the brake booster.
15. Run the engine at idle.
Notice: Do not turn steering wheel hard or fast against wheel stops. Excessive force or speed can cause high hydraulic pressure or fluid overheating that can damage the gear and/or the power steering pump.
16. Turn the steering wheel slowly to the right.
1. Turn the steering wheel to the right until the right wheel stop is lightly contacted.
2. Turn the steering wheel to the left one-half turn.
3. Turn the steering wheel to the right, lightly against the wheel stop.
4. Repeat the procedure five times.
17. Turn the steering wheel slowly to the left.
1. Turn the steering wheel to the left until the left wheel stop is lightly contacted.
2. Turn the steering wheel to the right one-half turn.
3. Turn the steering wheel to the left, lightly against the wheel stop.
4. Repeat the procedure five times.
18. Maintain the oil level in the reservoir (1) just above the bottom of the reservoir (2).
19. Turn the steering wheel to the center position.
1. Idle the engine.
2. Install the fabricated cap.
3. Place the end of the hose in a suitable container.
4. Turn off the engine for at least one minute.
5. Allow the air to bubble (2) out through the overflow hose on the cap.
20. Remove the overflow cap.
21. Start the engine.
22. Maintain the fluid level (2) just above the bottom of the reservoir (1).
23. Repeat steps 10 through 19.
Repeat the steps as many times as necessary until there is no more than a 25 mm (1 in) rise in the reservoir fluid level with the engine stopped.
24. Remove the safety stands.
25. Lower the vehicle.
26. Start the engine.
27. Idle the engine at 1500 RPM.
28. Turn the wheels right and left lightly against the wheel stops.
Continue the procedure for 2 minutes. This should eliminate the any of the air left in the system.
29. Shut off the engine.
30. Inspect for leaks.
31. Fill the reservoir (3) to the final level (2).