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Power Steering System Bleeding

Note: 

   • Use clean, new power steering fluid type only. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers .
   • Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise. Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.
   • Loose connections might not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Verify that all hose connections are tight.

Bleeding

Caution: Power Steering Pump must not be allowed to run dry. It is not permitted to re-use drained fluid.

  1. Switch ignition OFF.
  2. Fill pump reservoir with fluid to MAX level. Leave cap off.
  3. Start the engine and immediately to up with fluid up to lower mark "MIN".
  4. Turn steering wheel slowly 2 to 3 times approx. 45° to the left and to the right with the engine running and then turn from stop to stop twice, then hold in each stop position for approx. 10 seconds.
    5. • Correct fluid level in fluid reservoir again.
      Stop engine and check fluid level.
      Fluid level at: Fluid at operating temperature approx. 80°C up to "MAX".
    •  Thoroughly clean any spilled fluid to allow for leak check. Trapped air may cause fluid to overflow.
    • Keep fluid level at FULL COLD.
  5. While turning steering wheel, check fluid constantly.
    6. • No bubbles are allowed.
    • If any sign of bubbles, check connection. Repeat step 5.
  6. Start engine. With engine idling, maintain fluid level. Reinstall Cap.
  7. Return wheels to center.
  8. Keep engine running for two minutes.
  9. Turn steering wheel in both directions and verify :
    10. • Smooth power assist.
    • Noiseless operation.
    • Proper fluid level.
    • No system leaks.
    • Proper fluid condition.
    • No bubbles, no foam and no discorolation.
  10. If any problem remains, look in to Special Conditions.

Special Conditions

Caution: Refer to Using Proper Power Steering Fluid Caution in the Preface section.

Fluid

    • Fluid must be completly free of bubbles and foam. In step 5, be alert to periodic bubbles that could indicate a loose connection or leaky O-ring seal in either the return hose or pressure hose.
    • Discolored fluid (milky, opaque or light tan color)

Switch ignition off. Wait two minutes. Recheck hose connections. Repeat step 7-10. If condition still exists, repeat and check for possible cause:

    • Return hose clamps.
    • Return hose O-ring
    • Pressure hose O-rings
    • Gear cylinder line O-rings

Fill system and repeat bleed procedure for each possible cause. Repeat steps 7-10 to verify if fluid leeak has been eliminated.

Noise

Pump whine or groan.

With engine running, recheck hoses for possible contact with frame body or engine. If no contact is found, follow one of the methods below to to cool down fluid and repressurize system.

    • Method 1 - Normal cool down:
        1. Switch engine OFF.
        2. Wait for system to cool.
        3. Install reservoir cap.
    • Method 2 - Partial Fluid Replacement:
        1. Switch engine OFF.
        2. Use a suction device to remove fluid from the reservoir.
        3. Refill with cool, clean fluid.
        4. Install reservoir cap.

After either metod of cooling, start engine and allow engine to come up to operating temperature. If noise persists, replace power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .

   


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