Hydraulic System Bleeding
NOTE:
Noise originating from the power steering system may be caused by air trapped in system. Follow this procedure to eliminate pump whine condition.
- Fill pump reservoir. Operate engine until power steering fluid reaches operating temperature. Stop engine. Recheck fluid level. Add fluid as necessary. Repeat procedure until fluid level stabilizes.
- Raise and support vehicle so front wheels are off ground. 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.
- Return wheels to center position. Operate engine for 2-3 minutes. Road test vehicle. Recheck fluid level. Fluid containing air has milky appearance. All air should be eliminated to obtain normal steering.
- Carefully remove fluid reservoir cap. Check and fill reservoir to FULL COLD mark. Disconnect and ground ignition coil lead. Raise and support front of vehicle.
- Crank engine while turning steering wheel from side to side. DO NOT hold wheel on stops. Add fluid if necessary. Attach coil lead. Install vacuum tester onto reservoir.NOTE: A vacuum adapter may be fabricated from a rubber stopper and vacuum tubing. DO NOT use engine as vacuum source to purge air from power steering system.
- Start engine. Install vacuum adapter and apply 20-25 in. Hg vacuum to reservoir for approximately 3 minutes with engine idling. Slowly turn steering wheel from side to side. As air is purged from system, pump whine will tend to decrease. Maintain specified vacuum.
- Release vacuum. Check fluid level. Start engine. Turn steering wheel from side to side while checking for leaks. If pump whine is severe, repeat procedure until all air is removed.