Jaime-TA-84

iTrader: (1)

I installed a new power steering pump and I just cant manage to bleed it properly. I capped the return hose connector at the pump (to prevent the fluid from leaking out of the reservoir) and connected a new pressure hose to the pump and the gear box. I tightened the fitting of the pressure hose as much as I thought possible although some thread is still visible (from 1/3 to 1/2 at both ends of the pressure hose).

Since the instructions of the new pump said to crank the motor but not start it, I unplugged the distributor cables (white and pink). I spent more than 5 minutes cranking the motor, up to 10 seconds at a time. The fluid never came out of the hose that I connected to the steering cooler and left hanging under the car ( instead of connecting it to the pump return hose connector, which i plugged).

What am I doing wrong?

The fluid did change color from green-ish to red-ish after all this was done, so the fluid must have been flowing inside the pump, I guess.

Do I need to keep cranking the motor longer? Or should I just start the motor?

I killed my battery by leaving the radio on while I was working on the car so I had to do all I explained above while jump-starting the car.

Also, do I need a power steering filter? Where does it go?

ljnowell

Lift the car so front wheels are off the ground. Fill reservoir, start car. Refill reservoir. Turn steering wheel lock to lock several times. Refill reservoir. Fluid will get milky looking from the air bubbles in it. Let it sit a little bit. Repeat if necessary.

Jaime-TA-84

iTrader: (1)

I already have the front of the car lifted. I'll try your suggestion tomorrow. I didnt try having the engine running since the instructions said not to do so but I dont know what else to do at this point.

igotta355z28

iTrader: (1)

do like ljnowell says but without the motor running and with everything properly hooked up.......

ljnowell

why waste the time farting around with cranking it over? You are just loading your battery for no reason. It wont damage the pump as long as you put fluid in it first. It will take a lot less time too. It doesnt hurt to crank it once about 10 seconds before firing it up, but I wouldnt do it more than that.

paulo57509

1. Connect the return hose from the steering gear to the reservoir.

2. Fill the reservoir.

3. Lift the front end of the car.

4. Start engine.

5. Slowly turn steering wheel lock to lock. Do this.......10 times (?) Don't hit the stops very hard. Short tap.

6. Do (5) a few more times.

7. Lower car.

8. Top up reservoir.

9. Done

I think the instructions are confusing you. It sounds like you're getting "flushing" instructions mixed up with "bleeding" instructions.

I don't think you need a filter, but if you want to install one put it in the return hose. Not the pressure hose.

UNCLE TOM

iTrader: (1)

connect the RETURN hose !!!! fluid needs circulate and to return to the tank . if it does not circulate how can it be bled ? good luck .

naf

iTrader: (7)

An in-line filter can be picked up for like 2 bucks and installed inside the return hose. Looks like a refrigerant orifice. Cheap insurance against trash getting sucked back thru. I pulled one out to check it once and found pieces of that o-ring I thought I'd lost.

ljnowell

One of the things most people never do. When at work I wont install a new rack and pinion without the customer paying for a system flush.

Jaime-TA-84

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for your replies. I'll go get a filter and connect everything the way its supposed to be. I'll post back with the results.

Jaime-TA-84

iTrader: (1)

I put in a filter and connected the everything properly. I turned the wheels a few times with the car raised with the engine running and also with the car lowered. I topped off the reservoir and the fluid is milky so it must still be full of air. I'll just keep checking the fluid level and I guess the milky-ness should eventually go away, right?

ljnowell

Yep, all those little air bubbles will go away soon.