FixVault

Hydraulic System Bleeding

NOTE: Abnormal noise originating from power steering system may be caused by air trapped in system.
  1. Raise front wheels off ground and support vehicle. Start engine. Turn steering wheel from side to side several times. Avoid holding wheel in full left or right position. Fluid level should remain visible.
  2. Return wheels to center position. Operate engine for 2-3 minutes. Lower and road test vehicle. Recheck fluid level. Fluid containing air will have a milky appearance. All air should be eliminated to obtain normal steering. If air in system cannot be eliminated by performing steps 1) and 2), go to next step.
  3. Check and fill reservoir to MAX mark. Disconnect and ground ignition coil lead. Raise and support front of vehicle. Crank engine while turning steering wheel. DO NOT  hold wheel on stops. Add fluid if necessary. Attach coil lead. Install Rotunda Vacuum Tester (021-00014) to power steering pump reservoir. Start engine.
    NOTE: DO NOT  use engine as vacuum source to purge air from power steering system.
  4. Apply 20-25 in. Hg vacuum to reservoir for approximately 3 minutes with engine idling. As air is purged from system, vacuum will decrease. Maintain sufficient vacuum until fluid level stabilizes. Release vacuum. Check fluid level and fill as necessary.
  5. Start engine. Turn steering wheel from stop to stop while checking for air in system. If condition is severe, repeat procedure until all air is removed. Lower and road test vehicle.