E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Suspension & Steering => Topic started by: fireguyfire on May 28, 2019, 11:46:26 PM

Title: Power steering bleeding
Post by: fireguyfire on May 28, 2019, 11:46:26 PM
What is the best way to bleed air out of my power steering system after reinstalling my steering gearbox after a rebuild?


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Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: aussiemark on May 29, 2019, 02:35:14 AM
I normally just turn the steering from full lock to full lock a few times and top up the fluid when done.
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: Brads70 on May 29, 2019, 04:43:33 AM
 :iagree: good idea to do so with the front wheels off the ground. Then you can also see/adjust if necessary the centering valve.
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: Daveh on May 29, 2019, 05:25:53 AM
Yep the easiest bleeding in a car is the power steering.  Lock to lock with the wheels up and then check the fill level and your good. 
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: anlauto on May 29, 2019, 05:49:28 AM
Engine running or not running ? :dunno:
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: 72 Challenger on May 29, 2019, 05:49:42 AM
Do it slowly at first!

or the fluid can overflow from the reservoir as the air escapes. I speak from experience!

Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: Mrbill426 on May 29, 2019, 05:55:12 AM
Running


Quote from: anlauto on May 29, 2019, 05:49:28 AM
Engine running or not running ? :dunno:
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: Chryco Psycho on May 29, 2019, 05:58:13 AM
it will usually foam so you have to top it up after the air separates out
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: anlauto on May 29, 2019, 06:05:50 AM
Quote from: Mrbill426 on May 29, 2019, 05:55:12 AM
Running


Quote from: anlauto on May 29, 2019, 05:49:28 AM
Engine running or not running ? :dunno:

Yea I kinda thought that was an important thing to leave out... :haha:
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: GoodysGotaCuda on May 29, 2019, 06:40:59 AM
I also prefer to do this with the tie rods disconnected from the knuckle or the pitman arm. That way you ensure that you are getting the full stroke on the box and not stopping at the knuckle.


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Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: aussiemark on May 31, 2019, 03:55:32 AM
Was servicing a truck a while ago and forgot to put the lid back on the reservoir when I started the engine the power steering fluid shot up in the air about 3 feet like a fountain made a mess everywhere.
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: floorit426 on May 31, 2019, 05:54:17 AM
How much fluid should be put in the reservoir, initially and how much does a system hold?
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: Chryco Psycho on May 31, 2019, 07:14:12 PM
1 qt is enough , there should be a dipstick in the cap
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: aussiemark on May 31, 2019, 10:44:05 PM
Fill it to the full mark once the air is bled out the level will drop then just top it up.
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: kawahonda on May 31, 2019, 11:10:07 PM
I did all this without front wheels off the ground.....on the ground is damn fine too....power steering will do its thing....

I used transmission fluid....I think that's what's called for in the FSM. Dex III.
Title: Re: Power steering bleeding
Post by: aussiemark on June 02, 2019, 03:46:40 AM
I was once told power steering fluid is the same as ATF except it has a flame retardant that prevents it from catching fire as easy if the high pressure hose fails and sprays it all over the exhaust manifold/header. I run ATF in my power steering because it was there when I was doing it but it would be safer to use a proper power steering fluid.