Hydraulic System Bleeding
- Raise front wheels and support vehicle. Fill reservoir to specified level. Run engine until power steering fluid reaches normal operating temperature, about 165-175°F (74-79°C). Recheck fluid level in reservoir and top off as necessary. With engine running, eliminate trapped air in system by turning steering wheel from lock to lock until fluid level no longer decreases and no bubbles exist in reservoir.
- DO NOT hold steering wheel against lock (in far left or far right position). This action will create extremely high pressure and damage pump. Recheck fluid level in reservoir and top off as necessary. If excessive noise (whine) continues after bleeding procedure, use an air evacuator to reduce aeration of fluid.
- An evacuator can be fabricated using a No. 11 rubber stopper with 1/4" (6 mm) diameter hole drilled in center of stopper. Push a short length of rigid 1/4-5/16" tubing into hole in stopper. Attach a suitable vacuum hose length to tubing.
- Connect vacuum hose to vacuum source (an A/C vacuum pump is suggested). DO NOT use engine vacuum. Ensure fluid level is at least 1" (25 mm) below stopper. Start engine and let idle approximately 15 minutes. Turn steering wheel every 5 minutes to aid in removal of air. Remove stopper, check fluid level, and replace filler cap.