If your car’s power steering system goes out, you might be able to fix it without a vacuum pump. Here’s how:
Tools Required
In order to bleed power steering without a vacuum pump, you will need the following:
-A shop vacuum cleaner with a hose attached
-A ratchet wrench or socket set (6 or 8 inch)
-A 15 mm open end wrench
-A bucket
-Teflon tape or a piece of cloth
Step 1: Disconnect the power steering line from the reservoir. This can usually be done by removing the four screws that hold the reservoir cover on, then pulling it off. Be sure to disconnect both lines at the same time.
Step 2: Remove the lower valve cover by unscrewing the six screws that hold it in place. The cover should now lift off easily. Underneath is the power steering pump and fluid reservoir.
Step 3: If you have a shop vacuum cleaner with a hose attached, attach it to one of the lines coming out of the pump. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and wait until it has pulled all of the air out of the system. Once it is clear, disconnect the hose.
The Procedure
Bleeding power steering systems without the use of a vacuum pump can be a difficult task, but is possible with a little know-how. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bleed your power steering system without the need for a vacuum pump:
1. Park the car in a safe location with the engine off.
2. Open the hood and locate the power steering reservoir. On some cars, this may be located under the car near the transmission. On other cars, it may be located behind the car near the radiator.
3. Remove the cap from the reservoir and drain all of the fluid into a container. Make sure to get all of the fluid out of the reservoir! You do not want any air pockets in your system!
4. Replace the cap on the reservoir and close the hood.
5. Turn on the ignition and start your engine. The car should now be able to move!
6. If your car has an automatic transmission, disengage it by pressing down on both shift lever cups simultaneously (with your foot on the brake). If your car has a manual transmission, release each gear one at a time until you reach neutral.
Bleeding Power Steering Without Vacuum Pump
If your car has power steering, bleeding the system can be done without the help of a vacuum pump. Follow these steps:
1. Park the car in a level spot with the engine off.
2. Disconnect the battery cable.
3. Remove the front wheel and tire.
4. Locate and remove the power steering hose from its connector on the engine block (Fig. A).
5. Loosen the clamp on the end of the hose (Fig. B) and slide it off of the connector (C).
6. Drain any fluid that is present in the hose by turning it upside down and pressing down on one end until fluid comes out (D).
7. Reattach the clamp and tighten it using a wrench or pliers (E).
8. Reconnect the battery cable and wheel, replace wheel and tire, and re-start the engine.