Air in Power Steering Lines

[dls322]

Hi,
Is it possible to get air in the power steering lines like it is in brake lines? If so how do you "bleed them".

Thanks,

Dave

 

[8950HO]

It`s very likely,(guaranteed),especially after draining and re-filling the system after a PS fluid change.
The easiest way to get the air out is to raise both front wheels off the ground,get the fluid level in the pump where it should be,start the car and start turning the steering wheel back and forth,stop to stop,not to fast,until the air bubbles in the pump disappear.If the system has been drained,you`ll have to add more fluid to the pump after starting the car and moving the steering wheel.

 

[jrichker]

Make sure the pump is full of fluid, then turn the steering wheel all the way left & then all the way right. Do this several times. It is best done up on jackstands so you don't scrub flat spots on the tires. Refill the pump when you are done. If you have to keep adding fluid, there is a leak somewhere.

 

[dls322]

great, would that also make the pump moan. I just did an a/c delete and had to disconnect the hoses on the power steering pump. She is moaning whenever i move the wheel.Thanks

 

[8950HO]

You probably have some air in the system.

 

[dls322]

Thanks guys I appreciate the help, have a great holiday

 

[90mustangGT]

There is a TSB on air in ford P/S systems. Just drive it, it will bleed itself. Turning it back and forth rapidly esp. lock to lock tends to make the bubbles just get smaller therefore making the problem worse and taking longer to bleed out.

 

[JRPony]

There is a TSB on air in ford P/S systems. Just drive it, it will bleed itself. Turning it back and forth rapidly esp. lock to lock tends to make the bubbles just get smaller therefore making the problem worse and taking longer to bleed out.

That is why you are supposed to turn the wheel back and forth just short of lock to lock. If you do that, with the wheels off the ground, it will work just fine.

 

[90mustangGT]

That is why you are supposed to turn the wheel back and forth just short of lock to lock. If you do that, with the wheels off the ground, it will work just fine.

Yes, usually, but not always. If the way your talking about doesn't do it, then the other way will. Working in a shop, I know that sometimes it doesn't work. I have done that and so many times had to tell the customer "it will go away the more you drive it" which isn't something I like to tell them or what they want to hear. So what I started doing after reading that TSB is just rock the wheel back and forth and back and forth each time a little wider until it is lock to lock each time, that seems to work best, haven't had to tell any customers that in a long time now.

 

[JRPony]

Yes, usually, but not always. If the way your talking about doesn't do it, then the other way will. Working in a shop, I know that sometimes it doesn't work. I have done that and so many times had to tell the customer "it will go away the more you drive it" which isn't something I like to tell them or what they want to hear. So what I started doing after reading that TSB is just rock the wheel back and forth and back and forth each time a little wider until it is lock to lock each time, that seems to work best, haven't had to tell any customers that in a long time now.

I have never tried it that way, but it makes sense that it would work. Fortunately for me, I don't have to talk to customers. Service writers do that for me. Although, I would still advise against going to full lock, as this creates cavitation (air) in the pump.

 

[90mustangGT]

I have never tried it that way, but it makes sense that it would work. Fortunately for me, I don't have to talk to customers. Service writers do that for me. Although, I would still advise against going to full lock, as this creates cavitation (air) in the pump.

Lock to lock once it is all clear otherwise. Yeah, our service writers usually talk to the customer, but sometimes "can you explain to this gentleman/lady..."