Rack and Pinion
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Thanks! So ps cap off, car running, turn the wheel left and right should do it? Does this process take a long time? I did it constantly for 2 hours yesterday and the steering is still tight on hard turns.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 5
From: Stark County Ohio
Step #1 If your're going to work on the car purchase the GM factory service manual. Without it servicing the car is as productive as driving solo blindfolded.
Lots of advice in this forum is incorrect at best from well meaning people but incorrect non-the-less.
Find a hard copy (book form) or the DVD. Search this forum for them.
From the manual - (without the photos):
Bleeding the Power Steering System
Tools Required
· J 35555 Mity Vac
· J 43485 Power Steering Bleeder Adapter
· Important
Use clean, new power steering fluid type only.
See the Maintenance and Lubrication subsection for fluid specifications.
· Notice
If the power steering system has been serviced, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be obtained unless air is bled from the steering system. The air in the fluid may cause pump cavitation noise and may cause pump damage over a period of time.
Notice
When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
Important
Hoses touching the frame, body, or engine may cause system noise.
· Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.
Important
Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system.
· Verify that all hose connections are tight.
Important
Maintain the fluid level throughout the bleed procedure.
1. Remove the pump reservoir cap.
2. Fill the pump reservoir with fluid to the "FULL COLD" level.
3. Attach J 43485 to J 35555 or equivalent.
4. Place J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
5. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
6. Wait 5 minutes. Typical vacuum drop is 7-10 kPa (2-3 in Hg). If the vacuum does not remain steady, refer to Excessive Vacuum Drop Diagnosis at the end of this procedure.
7. Remove the J 43485 and the J 35555 .
8. Reinstall the pump reservoir cap.
9. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
10. Turn off the engine.
11. Verify the fluid level. Repeat steps 9 through 11 until fluid stabilizes.
Important
Do not turn steering wheel to lock.
12. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
13. Turn the steering wheel 180-360 degrees in both directions 5 times.
14. Switch the ignition off.
15. Verify the fluid level.
16. Remove the pump reservoir cap.
17. Attach J 43485 to J 35555 or equivalent.
18. Place J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
19. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
20. Wait 5 minutes.
21. Remove the J 43485 and the J 35555 .
22. Verify the fluid level.
23. Reinstall the pump reservoir cap.
Excessive Vacuum Drop Diagnosis
Tools Required
· J 35555 Mity Vac
· J 43485 Power Steering Bleed Adapter
1. If the vacuum continues to drop, remove the pressure and return hose from the pump.
2. Install the plugs (1) (2) supplied with J 43485 into the pressure and return port.
3. Attach J 43485 to J 35555 or equivalent.
4. Place J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
5. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
6. If the vacuum drops again, repair or replace the pump. If the vacuum holds steady, continue to check the other parts of the steering system.
Important
Fluid must be free from bubbles and foam. Be aware of periodic bubbles that indicate a loose connection or leaking O-ring seal in the return hose or the pressure hose.
Fluid must be free from discoloration.
7. Observe the fluid.
8. If condition persists, replace the following parts:
o The return hose clamps
o The return hose O-rings
o The pressure hose O-rings
o The gear cylinder line O-rings
o The reservoir to pump O-ring
9. Repeat the bleed procedure from the beginning.
10. Drive the vehicle approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) to warm the system to operating temperature. Evaluate vehicle on a smooth flat surface.
11. Verify the following conditions:
o There is smooth power assist.
o The vehicle operates quietly.
o The pump maintains the proper fluid level.
o There is no leaking in the steering system.
o The fluid is free of foam or discoloration.
Lots of advice in this forum is incorrect at best from well meaning people but incorrect non-the-less.
Find a hard copy (book form) or the DVD. Search this forum for them.
From the manual - (without the photos):
Bleeding the Power Steering System
Tools Required
· J 35555 Mity Vac
· J 43485 Power Steering Bleeder Adapter
· Important
Use clean, new power steering fluid type only.
See the Maintenance and Lubrication subsection for fluid specifications.
· Notice
If the power steering system has been serviced, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be obtained unless air is bled from the steering system. The air in the fluid may cause pump cavitation noise and may cause pump damage over a period of time.
Notice
When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
Important
Hoses touching the frame, body, or engine may cause system noise.
· Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.
Important
Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system.
· Verify that all hose connections are tight.
Important
Maintain the fluid level throughout the bleed procedure.
1. Remove the pump reservoir cap.
2. Fill the pump reservoir with fluid to the "FULL COLD" level.
3. Attach J 43485 to J 35555 or equivalent.
4. Place J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
5. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
6. Wait 5 minutes. Typical vacuum drop is 7-10 kPa (2-3 in Hg). If the vacuum does not remain steady, refer to Excessive Vacuum Drop Diagnosis at the end of this procedure.
7. Remove the J 43485 and the J 35555 .
8. Reinstall the pump reservoir cap.
9. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
10. Turn off the engine.
11. Verify the fluid level. Repeat steps 9 through 11 until fluid stabilizes.
Important
Do not turn steering wheel to lock.
12. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle.
13. Turn the steering wheel 180-360 degrees in both directions 5 times.
14. Switch the ignition off.
15. Verify the fluid level.
16. Remove the pump reservoir cap.
17. Attach J 43485 to J 35555 or equivalent.
18. Place J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
19. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
20. Wait 5 minutes.
21. Remove the J 43485 and the J 35555 .
22. Verify the fluid level.
23. Reinstall the pump reservoir cap.
Excessive Vacuum Drop Diagnosis
Tools Required
· J 35555 Mity Vac
· J 43485 Power Steering Bleed Adapter
1. If the vacuum continues to drop, remove the pressure and return hose from the pump.
2. Install the plugs (1) (2) supplied with J 43485 into the pressure and return port.
3. Attach J 43485 to J 35555 or equivalent.
4. Place J 43485 on or in the pump reservoir filler neck.
5. Apply a vacuum of 68 kPa (20 in Hg) maximum.
6. If the vacuum drops again, repair or replace the pump. If the vacuum holds steady, continue to check the other parts of the steering system.
Important
Fluid must be free from bubbles and foam. Be aware of periodic bubbles that indicate a loose connection or leaking O-ring seal in the return hose or the pressure hose.
Fluid must be free from discoloration.
7. Observe the fluid.
8. If condition persists, replace the following parts:
o The return hose clamps
o The return hose O-rings
o The pressure hose O-rings
o The gear cylinder line O-rings
o The reservoir to pump O-ring
9. Repeat the bleed procedure from the beginning.
10. Drive the vehicle approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) to warm the system to operating temperature. Evaluate vehicle on a smooth flat surface.
11. Verify the following conditions:
o There is smooth power assist.
o The vehicle operates quietly.
o The pump maintains the proper fluid level.
o There is no leaking in the steering system.
o The fluid is free of foam or discoloration.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
The way I have successfully performed the procedure is to have the front end on jackstands, cap off, car off and fully cycle the steering stop to stop 10 to 15 times. Start the car and cycle another 10 to 15 times. The only time I think the service manual (which I do have) procedure would be necessary is if you have disassembled or drained the steering rack. Rebuilt racks come prefilled. Only being tight on hard turns doesn't sound like an air in the system problem. Best of luck and hope this helps.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 306
Likes: 5
From: New Orleans Louisiana
The way I have successfully performed the procedure is to have the front end on jackstands, cap off, car off and fully cycle the steering stop to stop 10 to 15 times. Start the car and cycle another 10 to 15 times. The only time I think the service manual (which I do have) procedure would be necessary is if you have disassembled or drained the steering rack. Rebuilt racks come prefilled. Only being tight on hard turns doesn't sound like an air in the system problem. Best of luck and hope this helps.
I used this procedure an hour ago after installing a remanufactured steering rack and it worked perfectly. It takes about 3/4 of a quart of fluid to fill to proper level.
