Bleeding Power Steering Fluid Options

[cardshark525]

Hey guys,

So after replacing a bunch of stuff on the car I'm having a little difficulty with this.

Is there a non-messy way to bleed the PS fluid after replacing essentially the whole system. I have a brand new rack and a new pump. There's a ton of air in the system after filling it and burping the system so I'm trying to figure out if there's a way to bleed it without just.... (sigh) unhooking a hose and having it just spew fluid all over the place.

I know if I were at a Toyota dealer they have a machine they hook up to the fill cap that basically forces the lines full and removes the air via the machine by doing this.


Any input? Trying to finish everything up after replacing half the car lol.

[4-eyed-freek]

The only way I have personally ever done it is fill it, turn back and fourth with the engine off. Then start, turn back and fourth off the ground. After that put the car slightly on the ground and turn back and fourth, just continue that process till the bubbles and noise go away. Of course this is all very easy due to the fact that I work at a dealership and have access to a lift. I personally never seen anyone use a machine here but I do know they are out there.

This post has been edited by 4-eyed-freek: Jul 14, 2015 - 1:03 PM

[cardshark525]

Thanks. I do have access to a lift however I haven't "rinsed and repeated" the process as you suggest.

[Box]

Just turn the steering back and forth with the cap resting on the reservoir to stop fluid from going everywhere but to allow the air to escape. Generally you'd fill until it just reached the bottom of the reservoir and top it off while going from lock to lock(but never holding at full lock) until it's full and there's no more air in the system.

[cardshark525]

I did that already however there's still a lot of air left in the system. Perhaps like I said I just need to keep doing it. Patience sometimes wins.

[Box]

Might help to lift the front of the car up from the crossmember just enough to get the tires off the ground so you can do it a lot quicker.

[cardshark525]

Whole car was on a lift 3 feet in the air...

Just seemed strange. like i said ill try again.

[rdyzz]

Weird I've only ever had to fill it and while the car is running turn the steering wheel from lock to lock til I don't feel anymore hiccuping.

[Box]

Maybe one of the seals is pinched somewhere and it's sucking in air therefore never allowing you to get it all out.

[cardshark525]

Any other advice or suggestions. Wheel is extremely stiff, drives like its no PS at all and even a little harder than that when trying to turn the wheel to either side pin while driving in the lot. :-(

[Box]

Sounds like the pump isn't spinning. Unless for some reason the belt disappeared maybe you just got a bad pump.

[cardshark525]

Thank you for the feedback. Will examine this weekend.

[Bitter]

If the return line has a leak it can suck air into the system and cause it to feel like you have low or no fluid when you're full or even showing over full. The return line is under suction sometimes, more so when the wheel is over hard turning tight.