Air In Power Steering
Hey all. I have a 2008 buick enclave, came in with low power steering fluid. Filled it up cant seem to get the air out it, when you turn it off the fluid pushes out the top of res. I suspect its pulling air from some place. Anybody seen this on one of these and know where to start?
I have had luck with other models, disable the engine (fuel, spark, ckp what ever) have one person crank the engine while turning the steering back and forth slowly from lock to lock. Top off fluid as you go. Cranking RPM seems to bleed power steering systems better than running engines. if the fluid is aerated badly, pull a vacuum or let it sit for a bit There are also vacuum fill systems for…
Michael Chris already nailed a possible solution. Use vacuum. Good thing you already have 3.6L of vacuum pump. I bought a stand alone fluid trap (like you would use for brake bleeding). I dedicate it only to P/S systems. I have several rubber-lined flat plates with 3/16 hose barbs. I start engine, connect fluid trap to engine vacuum and other port on trap to barb on flat plate. I pull a vacuum…
This worked for me a few times on Fords which are notorious for this. Lift the front end only. Leave the reservoir cover off idle the engine while turning the wheel lock to lock. You could also have a faulty pump because I’m assuming the original fluid loss was due to the pump expelling it through the vent in the reservoir cap
A restriction can cause air to enter the system by way of the fluid aerating.If the suction side of the pump isn't getting the proper volume it will causing foaming of the fluid,hence the air.One of the lines might be collapsing internally.Very hard to find which one.
Kent moore sells a special reservoir cap for vacuum bleeding.
I have also found that the reservoir has a screen in it and it's almost impossible to clean, it can cause a restriction in these….other than that, I lift just the front, pull a vacuum on a full system and turn the wheel lock to lock many times with the engine not running, then I'll take vacuum off and top it off, and start it. Lock to lock 1 time and shut it off, let it sit, and then repeat if…
I have attempted to vac bleed for hours. Seems like its pulling air from someplace
Is it a cardone pump perhaps? I had one that no matter what i did would moan. i added lucas power steering fluid and it fixed itself.
Pull the return line off and see what volume the flow is.It is most likely week.
If the vacuum bleeds off, then you've definitely got a leak. If it's not leaking out on the pressure side (which will not usually cause noise, just loss), the air is leaking IN on the return side. It can be very difficult to find a leak on the suction side. The other common area is the seal at the pump itself. Provided the tooling is not leaking off, you should be able to pull and hold a good…