| January 19th, 2010 by admin |
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Does Your Car’s Power Steering Need Bleeding?
Does Your Car’s Power Steering Need Bleeding?
If your vehicle were not equipped with power steering (PS), turning the wheel and maneuvering safely would be problematic. Doing so would require enormous effort. PS systems are based upon hydraulic pressure that makes the task of steering your car far easier than would otherwise be the case. This pressure is provided by a component called the rotary-vane pump. The pump is powered by a belt and pulley system as your vehicle’s engine turns.
Anything that operates based on hydraulics can be severely affected by the presence of air. This is also true of your automobile. In this article, we’ll take a look at the problems caused by air within your power steering system. I’ll describe the warning signs that air is present and explain how you can safely bleed it out.
When Air Gets Into The System
The most common sign that air exists within your power steering system is a groaning sound whenever you turn the wheel. Moreover, the wheel will be more difficult to turn. These are the same symptoms that can manifest if the fluid level is low. Both will continue to worsen unless the underlying problem is resolved.
The first step is to check the fluid. If the level is low, replenish it within the reservoir. If the symptoms return after a few days, that usually means the system has a leak; the leak is allowing air to enter while letting fluid escape.
How To Bleed The System
Leaks will normally occur in the pressure hose when cracks or fissures form. A lot of people replace the hose, but neglect to remove the air that enters the PS system during the process. The system needs to be bled.
First, turn your engine on and crank your steering wheel from left to right to left. Repeat this a few times before checking the fluid. If you notice foam in the fluid, this is a sign that air is caught within.
Second, with your vehicle off, place a length of clear tubing on the system’s bleed valve. Then, allow the free end of the tubing to run to a pan or similar container. The container will catch the fluid as you bleed the system.
Third, start your car and slowly open the valve. Then, crank your steering wheel from side to side again. This will force air out. Continue to do this while checking whether air is present within the tubing. You may need to add fluid during this process; otherwise, you’ll run the power steering dry. Eventually, there will be less air visible as the remnants are forced out.
Your power steering system will rarely present problems that cannot be resolved by replenishing the fluid and bleeding the air. It’s relatively easy to do and will help you avoid taking an expensive trip to your mechanic.
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