A power steering system is one of the most important components on your car. It helps you steer and control your car in difficult situations, and if it’s not working correctly, it can make driving extremely difficult. In this article, we’ll show you how to vacuum bleed a power steering system, so that you can fix any problems before they become serious.
What is a Power Steering System and Why Should I Bleed it?
A power steering system is the mechanism that helps move a car by turning the wheels. It consists of a pump, reservoir, and belt. The pump sends fluid from the reservoir to the belt, which turns the wheels. When fluid leaks from the system, it can damage the pump, reservoir, or belt. Bleeding the power steering system helps to fix these problems and keep your car running smoothly.
Tools you Will Need
-Vacuum cleaner with power steering attachment
-Q-tip
-Large container or bucket with water
-Straw or thick paper towel
-Ruler or measuring tape
-Screwdriver or wrench
-“J” clamp pliers (optional)
-Cordless drill with bit size appropriate for vacuum cleaner hose (optional)
-Hose clamp (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by turning off the engine and unplugging the car battery. If the car has an automatic transmission, release the parking brake.
2. Disconnect the power steering fluid hoses from the reservoir at each wheel. On some cars, you may need to remove a panel at the rear of the car to access these hoses. If not, simply twist them gently until they come free. Be careful not to pinch them when removing them!
3. Remove the wheel-coverings and clean all visible debris from around the power steering pump and reservoir area using a Q-tip and water. Dry off the area with a large towel.
4. Locate the vacuum cleaner attachment and fit it onto the end of the power steering hose. Make sure the vacuum cleaner is turned on and plugged into an outlet.
5. Clamp the end of the power steering hose in a “j” clamp, or use pliers if necessary, to prevent it from moving during cleaning.
6. Pick up the bucket with water and place it nearby.
7. Position the vacuum cleaner near the top of the power steering pump reservoir, turn on the vacuum cleaner, and wait until the motor starts to run before lowering the bucket into the reservoir. Hold down the vacuum cleaner pedal as you lower it so that water is drawn up through the hose and into the vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to splash water onto any wiring or components inside the car!
8. Continue cleaning until all visible debris has been removed. Be sure to rinse off all residual dirt and debris from the power steering pump and reservoir area using a large straw or paper towel before reconnecting the power steering fluid hoses and returning everything to its original location.
9. If you’re using a cordless drill, attach a bit size appropriate for your vacuum cleaner hose to the chuck and screwdriver or wrench, and begin drilling into either side of the reservoir at a location that is large enough for your new fluid hoses to fit. If the reservoir is not easily accessible, you may be able to drill a hole in the side of the car and thread the hoses through it.
10. Once the new fluid hoses have been attached, reattach the wheel-coverings and parking brake, turn on the engine, and test drive the car.
How to Bleed a Power Steering System
One of the most common causes of power steering problems is a lack of fluid in the system. If the fluid level gets too low, the power steering system can start to malfunction. In order to check for a low fluid level, you’ll need to bleed the system. Bleeding a power steering system is a simple process that can solve many mechanical problems. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood and locate the power steering hose connected to the reservoir located below the engine.
4. Connect one end of the bleeder hose to the power steering reservoir and connect the other end to a clean container such as a bucket or jug.
5. Turn on the engine and wait until the pressure in the power steering reservoir rises to operating pressure (about 15 psi).
6. Release the pressure by bleeding slowly from the hose into the bucket or jug, making sure not to overfill it. Repeat this procedure until all fluid has been removed from the reservoir.
How to Fix a Power Steering System that Has Been Bled
There are many ways to fix a power steering system that has been bled, but the most common is to bleed the system using the power steering fluid. To do this, you will need to remove the power steering pump and reservoir. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to suck out all of the fluid from the system. Make sure to replace the fluid and sealant as needed.
Tips for Keeping Your Power Steering System in Good Shape
Power steering is a vital component of a car, and it’s important to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips to keep your power steering system in good shape:
1. Check the fluid level regularly. Power steering fluid is a critical component of the system, and it should be kept at the correct level for optimal performance. If the fluid levels get too low, the system may start to malfunction.
2. Check for leaks periodically. Leaks in the power steering system can cause decreased performance, and they’re often easy to spot. Look for signs of leakage, including wet spots on the ground near the car, fluid seeping from under the car, or a strong smell coming from the system. If you notice any leaks, take action right away to fix them.
3. Replace worn parts as needed. Power steering systems can wear down over time, and sometimes it’s necessary to replace worn parts in order to maintain optimal performance. If you notice that one or more parts in your power steering system are starting to wear down, replace them as soon as possible to avoid problems down the road.