If you have an air suspension system in your car, you know that it’s important to periodically purge any trapped air from the power steering system. A build-up of air in the system can cause the car to pull to one side or even fail completely. In this article, we’ll show you how to purge air from the power steering system using a few simple steps.
What Is Purging Air From Power Steering?
Purging air from power steering is an important step in keeping your car running smoothly. By removing the stale air from the system, you can reduce the chances of problems down the road. Here are four easy steps to purge air from power steering:
1. Open the hood and remove the AC condenser fan if it’s installed. This will remove stagnant air from the condenser.
2. Remove the power steering reservoir cover and pour a quart of oil into the power steering system. Doing so will lubricate and disperse any dust or debris that has settled in suspension parts over time.
3. Turn off all of the car’s electrical connectors, including the parking brake switch and headlights. This will help to create an open pathway for fresh air to enter the system.
4. Start up your car and let it idle for several minutes while you open all of your windows (A/C should already be on). This will allow fresh air to enter the system and expel any old air.
Why Purge Air From Power Steering?
Power steering fluid is a petroleum-based product that can absorb moisture over time. This can cause power steering fluid to become thick, sticky, and clogged in the system. When this occurs, the power steering system may not function as it should. In addition, power steering fluid can also cause corrosion in the system, which can lead to failure.
To purge air from power steering systems, start by draining the fluid and removing any debris that may be caught in the system. Next, use a clean hose to fill the system with compressed air until it reaches capacity (about 50 psi). Hold the air hose in place for about two minutes, then release the pressure. Finally, fill the system with fresh fluid and repeat the process.
How to Purge Air From Power Steering
If you’re experiencing air in your power steering, there are several steps you can take to purge the system.
1. Diagnose the problem: If you can’t determine the source of the air, begin by diagnosing the problem. Are all your systems working? Is there power to the pump? Can you hear the pump running? Do you have any leaks in your system?
2. Clear any obstructions: If there are obstructions in your system, they will need to be clear before proceeding. This includes any dust, leaves, or debris that could be blocking the flow of air.
3. Check for leaks: Once everything is clear and no leaks are found, it’s time to check for leaks. Power steering fluid is a petroleum-based product and will leak if it’s exposed to water or other contaminants. Leaks can be small or large, and can be difficult to detect without proper equipment.
4. Fill up with CO2: In some cases, a small leak can persist even after all other attempts at fixing it have failed. In these cases, filling up the system with carbon dioxide may force the air out of the
Conclusion
If you’ve ever had to replace a power steering pump on your car, then you know just howimportant it is to purge the air from the system before doing so. If not done properly, this can lead to leaks and even failure of the power steering components. In this article, we’ll outline the steps that need to be taken in order for this task to be successful and minimize potential damage.