If your car has a power steering pump, then you know that it can be a source of great frustration when it stops working. If the pump isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause lots of trouble for both you and your vehicle. In this guide, we will teach you how to bleed the power steering pump in order to fix the problem.
Identification of the problem
The problem with bleeding a power steering pump is that when the fluid leaks out, it can cause a power steering system failure. The first step in diagnosing the problem is to determine what caused the leak. Once you know the cause, you can begin to fix it.
Removal of the power steering pump and related components
If your car has a power steering pump, then it’s likely that the pump will need to be replaced at some point. The procedure for removing the power steering pump and related components is as follows:
1. Disconnect the battery cables, if applicable.
2. Remove the four screws that hold the cover on the front of the pump assembly.
3. Lift off the cover and remove the pump assembly from the car.
4. If applicable, disconnect the hoses from the pump assembly.
5. Bleed the reservoir and lines by pumping firmly with a hand-held hose until there is no more fluid coming out of either item. Be sure to replace any damaged components as needed!
Cleaning and inspection of the power steering pump
Instructions for cleaning and inspection of the power steering pump:
1. Remove the air filter by unscrewing the two screws on top.
2. Disconnect the hoses from the pump by popping off the connector covers.
3. Remove the filter housing by gently pulling it away from the pump body.
4. Clean all debris and oil from the pump body and rotor with a clean cloth or shop vacuum cleaner, then polish with a fine-grain sandpaper until gleaming.
5. Inspect both sides of the rotor for nicks, tears or other damage, then seal any imperfections with a medium-grit sandpaper before reassembling in reverse order.
6. Reattach the hose connectors and air filter, then replace the cover plates on top of the pump body.
Fitting new gaskets and bearings
If your power steering pump is giving you trouble, it’s likely that the seals are worn and need to be replaced. Follow these steps to bleed the system: 1) Park the car in a safe location with the engine off.
2) Turn off all the cabin power sources, including the ignition. 3) Disconnect the battery negative cable. 4) Remove both air intake hoses and both cooling fans. 5) Open the power steering reservoir by loosening the cap on top. 6) Place a container under the flow of fluid from the pump and pour fluid slowly into it until it reaches the top of the container. 7) Close the reservoir cover and wait 10 minutes for any remaining fluid to drain out before reconnecting all of your power sources and starting your car.
Bleeding the power steering pump
If your power steering pump is leaking, you will need to bleed it. The procedure varies depending on the make and model of the car, but in general, you will need to remove the reservoir cap, loosen the bolts that hold the pump cover on, and insert a long piece of tubing into the fluid circulation chamber. You then need to open the bleeder valve on top of the pump and turn it until all the fluid has been bled out. Make sure to replace any sealant or gasket that was used when bleeding the pump.