Power steering question

[leslloyd]

Well i've gone and messed with something i know nothing about,now it don't work.The power steering that is.
Drained the oil by removing the two hoses to the reservoir,and turned steering side to side.
Refilled with new oil,topped up twice while running.After a few minutes something started squeaking,at the location of the pump.And now the wheels turn in a jerking fashion.
Is there a proper procedure for doing the job,like priming the pump?
cheers
colin.

[jatsvl]

you need to take the load off the front wheels to bleed the air out of the system, jack the front of the car up turn left and right then start the car and turn left and right and keep checking the fluid level, however the damage may already be done! judging from your post description!
good luck!

[leslloyd]

thanks,i'll jack it up in the morning,fingers crossed
colin.

[leslloyd]

All's good,taking the weight off the wheels allow it to prime and no noises,thanks
colin

[etch289]

go for anice drive around a few blocks ,should fix it

[harry3]

I think its good to replace the auto trans fluid in the power steering as it eventually gets dirty and the additives in it wear out

the system is generally self bleeding from what Ive found

worth remembering that turning the front wheels with car stopped puts much strain on the steering linkages and is warned against in the drivers handbook, yet some people get into the habit of doing it

[etch289]

yeah if it gets blackish grey color etc best to give it a cleanout and renew fluid

[vxcalais_01]

can you flush and bleed out the air if you just undo return hose, start car, keep topping up the resevoir untill clean fluid comes out return hose ? Wont this bleed it as well ? To bleed it, instead of jacking it, cant you just drive if back and forward to lock to lock with the lid off checking fluid level every now and then ? ? Saves you from having to lift the front up.

[Bax]

I think thats all I did. I didn't drive it though I just turned it on the spot. It seemed to work fine, but who knows really, it doesn't seem any different to what it was originally. I'll get it replaced at my next service.

[jatsvl]

the correct procedure for bleeding power steering systems is to raise the front of the vehicle turn left right check fluid start engine and repeat until no more bubbles appear in the reservoir.
if you remove the return hose then the reservoir will drain and fluid will go every where as it will be pumping out of the hose aswell, it only takes a couple of minutes to jack up and bleed the system with no effort, no mess and no damaged seals