Power Steering Bleeding: Service and Repair

Power Steering System Bleeding

Special Tools

* CH-43485 - Power Steering Bleeder Adapter

* GE-23738-A - Vacuum Pump

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.

Note:

* If you service the power steering system, you will not be able to obtain an accurate fluid level reading unless you bleed the air from the power steering system.

* Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise. Ensure the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.

* Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Ensure all hose connections are tight.

* Maintain the power steering fluid level throughout the bleeding procedure.

* Use clean, new power steering fluid only. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations Service Precautions.

* Introducing too much air into the power steering system will increase the amount of time required to bleed the system.

* DO NOT start the engine until instructed to do so.

* DO NOT use a hoist. Keep the rear tires on the ground.

1. Apply the park brake.

2. Using a floor jack and jack stands, raise the front of the vehicle until the center of the front wheels are approximately 61 cm (24 in)off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

3. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with fluid to the bottom of the filler neck. Leave the cap off.

4. Place towels around the power steering fluid reservoir neck in order to catch any fluid flowing out of the reservoir.

Note:
The fluid level will rise and fall as you turn the steering wheel and you bleed air from the system. This step may take several minutes.

5. With the key in the ON position and with the ENGINE OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop until the fluid level stabilizes and there are fewer bubbles in the reservoir.

6. Ensure the fluid level is at the bottom of the filler neck.

7. Connect the CH-43485 - adapter to the GE-23738-A - pumpclear hose.

8. Hold the CH-43485 - adapter on the top of the reservoir filler neck.

9. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg, 10 psi).

10. Set the GE-23738-A - pumpdown. The vacuum will hold the CH-43485 - adapter in place.

Note:
The vacuum gauge needle will fluctuate while the steering wheel is moving. This step may take several minutes.

11. Maintain a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg, 10 psi)while turning the steering wheel from stop to stop. Hold the steering wheel at each steering stop until there are fewer bubbles in the GE-23738-A - pumpclear hose.

12. With the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, maintain a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg, 10 psi)for 5 minutes.

13. Inspect the condition of the fluid in the GE-23738-A - pumpclear hose. If any bubbles are in the fluid, repeat steps 11 and 12.

14. Lower the vehicle.

15. Relieve the vacuum in the GE-23738-A - pump.

16. Remove the CH-43485 - adapter from the reservoir filler neck.

17. Ensure the power steering fluid level is at the MAX mark on the capstick fluid level indicator.

18. With the reservoir cap off, start the engine. Slowly rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop 10 times. Hold the steering wheel at each stop for 2 seconds.

19. Verify the steering system does not shudder while turning the steering wheel. If the steering system exhibits a shudder condition, repeat steps 1 through 18.

20. Turn the engine OFF.

21. Ensure the power steering fluid level is at the MAX mark on the capstick fluid level indicator. Install the cap to the reservoir. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid Power Steering.

22. Test drive the vehicle.