A power steering system is one of those essential automotive components that can make or break your driving experience. In fact, if your power steering system isn’t functioning properly, you might find yourself at the mercy of an inexperienced driver who won’t be able to steer the car in the right direction!
What is Power Steering Bleed?
Power steering fluid (PSF) is a hydraulic fluid used in most cars and trucks to help direct the power and motion of the engine and the wheels. The PSF circulates through hoses connected to the power steering pump, which helps move the fluid through the system.
If your car has power steering, you should always check for leaks and bleeding before doing any repairs or changes. Power steering fluid can leak from pipes, hoses, lines, or anywhere else that it might be connected. A power steering leak can cause excessive wear on the pump, causing it to fail prematurely. Bleeding a power steering line will remove all of the leaked PSF and stop the damage from happening.
How to Bleed Power Steering Lines
If you have a power steering line leak, you will need to bleed the line. Follow these steps to Bleed a Power Steering Line:
1) Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2) Shut off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3) Disconnect both power steering lines by locating their fittings, usually located near the differential.
4) To bleed the line, use a standard garden hose with a shut-off nozzle. Make sure to hold onto the hoses while turning the nozzle on and off.
5) Begin by spraying one side of the hose. Turn off the nozzle and wait for half of the fluid to drain before turning on the nozzle again and repeating on the other side of hose.
6) Once all fluid has been bled, replace both hoses and tighten their fittings.
When To Order a Power Steering Line Bleed
If you experience reduced power steering assist, or if the power steering becomes difficult to turn, it is likely that your power steering line has become blocked. A damage-free power steering line can last up to 10 years, but if it becomes blocked, you will need to have itBleedD.
There are a few methods for bleeding a power steering line:
– By using a power steering fluid flush: This removes any obstructions in the system and flushes any old fluid out.flushPowerSteeringLines
– By using a pressure bleeder: This device uses pressurized air or nitrogen to clean and unblock the system.pressureBleeders
– By using a hydraulic chiller: This device uses cold water to unblock the system.chillPowerSteeringLines
Conclusion
No, you don’t have to bleed power steering lines. However, if your power steering system has been damaged in some way and it needs to be replaced, bleeding the system will clean out any debris that might be clogging up the line. This can help avoid future problems with the power steering system.