Bleeding (removing air) of the hydraulic system of the power steering is necessary after any work related to depressurization of the system (replacing the pump or pipelines)
A sign of the presence of air in the system is the jamming of the steering wheel when trying to turn it sharply. In addition, the pump makes increased noise when turning the steering wheel, and the fluid in the reservoir usually foams.
Brake the car with the parking brake and install wheel chocks ("shoes") under the rear wheels.
Raise the front of the car and place it on reliable supports so that the front wheels do not touch the ground. If you have a lift, you can lift the entire car.
Fill the power steering system with working fluid up to the "MAX" mark
Without starting the engine, turn the steering wheel five or six times to the left and right until it stops.
Start the engine and turn the steering wheel until it stops in one direction. Do not increase engine speed above idle speed.
Do not hold the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 5 s.
Turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction.
Return the steering wheel to the center position and turn off the engine
Check the level of the working fluid in the power steering reservoir and add fluid if necessary.
The level of the working fluid in the reservoir with a warm engine should be no higher than the "MAX" mark, and with a cold engine - no lower than the "MIN" mark.
Repeat operations 4-7 until the fluid level in the reservoir stops decreasing when the steering wheel is turned and air bubbles stop appearing in the fluid.
Add the required amount of working fluid. Do not overfill the fluid above the "MAX" mark.
Lower the front wheels to the ground.
Start the engine and make several full turns of the steering wheel from one extreme position to the other.
Make sure that the difference in fluid levels in the reservoir when turning the steering wheel left and right is insignificant.
Make sure that the difference between the working fluid level with the engine running and the level after the engine is stopped is within 5 mm.
If the difference in levels has reached 5 mm or more, then the air has not been completely removed from the system and the bleeding should be repeated.
Reinstall the reservoir cap and wipe off any leaks.
Noise from the power steering when the front wheels are turned to the limit is not a malfunction.
Replacing the working fluid of the power steering system
You will need: pliers, a container for collecting the fluid.
According to the manufacturer's recommendation, the fluid in the power steering system is not changed during the entire service life of the car.
If the fluid in the reservoir is heavily contaminated or has darkened, it should be replaced.
If the fluid is heavily contaminated or has darkened, check the serviceability of the power steering pump and steering gear. They may need to be repaired or replaced.
Do not reuse drained fluid: it is contaminated, saturated with air and moisture.
Always fill the system only with new fluid of the same brand that was previously filled.
Lift the front of the car and place it on reliable supports so that the front wheels do not touch the ground.
If you have a lift, you can lift the entire car.
Pump out (for example, with a syringe or rubber bulb) the fluid from the power steering reservoir.
Squeeze the bent ears of the clamp of the hose returning the fluid to the reservoir, slide the clamp along the hose and disconnect the hose.
Lower the end of the disconnected drain hose into a previously prepared container. If the hose is not long enough, extend it with a section of any hose of a suitable diameter.
Drain the fluid from the power steering system by starting the engine two or three times for a few seconds and simultaneously turning the steering wheel alternately in both directions until it stops.
Connect the fluid return hose to the power steering reservoir.
Pour fluid into the reservoir and bleed air from the power steering system. Do not overfill the fluid above the "MAX" mark.
Reinstall the plug and wipe off any leaks.
