bleeding power steering system - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

greasemonkey · 07-08-2005, 01:09 AM

Like the title says, what is the best way to eliminate all air from a power steering system? I installed an AGR box, rebuilt pump, and new hoses and followed the instructions (jack truck up, turn wheels lock to lock at least 20 times, crank engine for two minutes) but I think I still have air in the system.. At idle, it works okay, but if revved slightly, I can feel a "shuddering" in the wheel as I turn it that feels like there might be air in the lines. Also, the wheels turns more freely to the right than the left, not sure if that is significant but just thought I would add it.
I have tried revving the engine and turning the wheels lock to lock, and while the truck was jacked up it was fine, but once on the ground it still has that weird shuddering when I turn the wheel. No squealing, just a noise like air bubbles in a line. All lines are sealed well, I chased down all the leaks already. Would this be air in the system or something else?
thanks in advance,
John

OhioDan · 07-08-2005, 03:25 AM

It's like most hydaulic systems, in that as you excersise it, it will introduce air into the sys. until it's completely full of fluid. Let it set overnight, and check the level in the morning. Top it off and try it again. Most or all of the air in the fluid should have dissipated overnight. Had to do this to mine, as it acted the same way when I filled it for the first time. Now, it works fine. Hope this helps?

greasemonkey · 07-08-2005, 09:36 AM

Thanks very much Dan, that helped a lot. I will go recheck it this morning.
John

jhow66 · 07-08-2005, 09:55 AM

Be sure belt is tight-will slip and make the steering wheel "shudder".

SK1970 · 07-08-2005, 03:13 PM

You can turn the steering wheel with the truck running in park all the way to the right then all the way to the left several times. It should get the air out of it. good luck

**Classic Heartbeat** · 07-08-2005, 03:52 PM

Turning the wheels while the engine is running will cause the fluid to foam. The foam must be alowed to settle out, usualy about 1/2hr will suffice. Then add more fluid to fill again. I tend to agree with jhow66, about the loose belt. That will cause the shuddering. Low fluid causes a whining noise and makes the steering hard to turn. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

70 shorty · 07-08-2005, 10:06 PM

When I replaced the pump in my Camaro, it was as if I had no power assist intermittantly. I guess I was an idiot, because I drove it that way and it just worked itself out. I did just what you did though, turned it lock to lock many times but only time made mine work like it was supposed to. Obviously if you do what I did, be VERY careful, it can make for some very dangerous driving with the power assist seemingly coming and going.

greasemonkey · 07-09-2005, 12:18 AM

I think I finally got it all out, it runs really nice now, very responsive. I still have a weird thing with the wheel turning more freely to the right than the left. If I make a left turn, the wheels will recenter as soon as I let go of the wheel, but when turning right, I have to manually turn the wheel back left to straighten it out. I guess I will try greasing the suspension tomorrow and see if something is binding a bit. It is not a tire pull. Any ideas?

fastwillie 696969 · 07-09-2005, 01:01 AM

you can use vaccum to get the air out of the system

woodridge · 07-09-2005, 01:23 AM

Do you notice it taking any more effort to turn to the right than the left? If so it may be an alignment issue. Last resort it could be a problem with the box.

greasemonkey · 07-09-2005, 08:47 AM

It takes more effort to turn the wheel left. It is not alignment, because it feels the same way when the truck is up on jackstands.

woodridge · 07-09-2005, 09:40 AM

I would suspect the box then, most likely a problem with the spool valve. Call the supplier.

07-08-2005, 01:09 AM	#1
greasemonkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 2,155	bleeding power steering system Like the title says, what is the best way to eliminate all air from a power steering system? I installed an AGR box, rebuilt pump, and new hoses and followed the instructions (jack truck up, turn wheels lock to lock at least 20 times, crank engine for two minutes) but I think I still have air in the system.. At idle, it works okay, but if revved slightly, I can feel a "shuddering" in the wheel as I turn it that feels like there might be air in the lines. Also, the wheels turns more freely to the right than the left, not sure if that is significant but just thought I would add it. I have tried revving the engine and turning the wheels lock to lock, and while the truck was jacked up it was fine, but once on the ground it still has that weird shuddering when I turn the wheel. No squealing, just a noise like air bubbles in a line. All lines are sealed well, I chased down all the leaks already. Would this be air in the system or something else? thanks in advance, John __________________ 1942 Master Deluxe 1969 C/10 1985 Blazer CUCV 1987 Jimmy 2004 Tahoe 2005 Silverado 1500 2005 Silverado 3500

07-08-2005, 03:25 AM	#2
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	It's like most hydaulic systems, in that as you excersise it, it will introduce air into the sys. until it's completely full of fluid. Let it set overnight, and check the level in the morning. Top it off and try it again. Most or all of the air in the fluid should have dissipated overnight. Had to do this to mine, as it acted the same way when I filled it for the first time. Now, it works fine. Hope this helps? __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

07-08-2005, 09:36 AM	#3
greasemonkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 2,155	Thanks very much Dan, that helped a lot. I will go recheck it this morning. John __________________ 1942 Master Deluxe 1969 C/10 1985 Blazer CUCV 1987 Jimmy 2004 Tahoe 2005 Silverado 1500 2005 Silverado 3500

07-08-2005, 09:55 AM	#4
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Be sure belt is tight-will slip and make the steering wheel "shudder". __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

07-08-2005, 03:52 PM	#6
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Turning the wheels while the engine is running will cause the fluid to foam. The foam must be alowed to settle out, usualy about 1/2hr will suffice. Then add more fluid to fill again. I tend to agree with jhow66, about the loose belt. That will cause the shuddering. Low fluid causes a whining noise and makes the steering hard to turn. WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

07-08-2005, 03:13 PM	#5
SK1970 Active Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 110	You can turn the steering wheel with the truck running in park all the way to the right then all the way to the left several times. It should get the air out of it. good luck

07-08-2005, 10:06 PM	#7
70 shorty Where's my beer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glen Allen, VA Posts: 1,772	When I replaced the pump in my Camaro, it was as if I had no power assist intermittantly. I guess I was an idiot, because I drove it that way and it just worked itself out. I did just what you did though, turned it lock to lock many times but only time made mine work like it was supposed to. Obviously if you do what I did, be VERY careful, it can make for some very dangerous driving with the power assist seemingly coming and going. __________________ 70 C10, shortstep, .30 over 250,Hurst shifted 3 spd parts hauler. Holley 390, Clifford Intake, Header, ported cylinder head, unknown bigger cam. 79 Corvette L82, 4 spd, black, red interior, headers, flowmasters, and unkown bigger cam. '03 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0 4x4 daily driver. 165K miles, and runs great '08 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 155K

07-09-2005, 12:18 AM	#8
greasemonkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 2,155	I think I finally got it all out, it runs really nice now, very responsive. I still have a weird thing with the wheel turning more freely to the right than the left. If I make a left turn, the wheels will recenter as soon as I let go of the wheel, but when turning right, I have to manually turn the wheel back left to straighten it out. I guess I will try greasing the suspension tomorrow and see if something is binding a bit. It is not a tire pull. Any ideas? __________________ 1942 Master Deluxe 1969 C/10 1985 Blazer CUCV 1987 Jimmy 2004 Tahoe 2005 Silverado 1500 2005 Silverado 3500

07-09-2005, 01:01 AM	#9
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	you can use vaccum to get the air out of the system __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

07-09-2005, 01:23 AM	#10
woodridge Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maynardville, Tn Posts: 3,030	Do you notice it taking any more effort to turn to the right than the left? If so it may be an alignment issue. Last resort it could be a problem with the box. __________________ SEMA Network- Protect our Hobby! 71 C30 in pieces, starting to come together. Click here for A Place For Tennessee Truck Enthusiest To Meet

07-09-2005, 08:47 AM	#11
greasemonkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pace, FL Posts: 2,155	It takes more effort to turn the wheel left. It is not alignment, because it feels the same way when the truck is up on jackstands. __________________ 1942 Master Deluxe 1969 C/10 1985 Blazer CUCV 1987 Jimmy 2004 Tahoe 2005 Silverado 1500 2005 Silverado 3500

07-09-2005, 09:40 AM	#12
woodridge Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maynardville, Tn Posts: 3,030	I would suspect the box then, most likely a problem with the spool valve. Call the supplier. __________________ SEMA Network- Protect our Hobby! 71 C30 in pieces, starting to come together. Click here for A Place For Tennessee Truck Enthusiest To Meet



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