Buzz
Can you picture navigating a vehicle without the aid of power steering? Barrett-Jackson/Getty ImagesIf maneuvering your vehicle starts to grow louder and more challenging, it might indicate an issue with your power steering [source: Mobil]. This could simply be due to an air bubble trapped within the power steering pump.
The power steering pump functions through hydraulic mechanisms, which are highly susceptible to air infiltration. Any air entering the system will be compressed by the pump, leading to noise and increased effort required to steer.
Modern vehicles often come with manufacturer-specific instructions for bleeding the power steering system. Always refer to your owner's manual for vehicle-specific guidance [source: Axle Addict]. However, here’s a general method to remove air from your power steering pump.
- Ensure the engine is turned off and has cooled down.
- Take off the power steering reservoir cap and inspect the fluid level.
- Top up the fluid as necessary.
- Secure the cap back in place.
- Find the bleed valve on the steering box. If locating it is challenging, trace the high-pressure line from the pump to the steering box.
- Attach a hose to the bleed valve, ensuring it extends beyond the car’s front.
- Position a drain pan beneath the hose’s end outside the car.
- Start the engine.
- Gently open the bleed valve.
- Rotate the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
- Turn off the engine.
- Tighten the bleed valve.
- Refill the reservoir with power steering fluid to the maximum level.
- Examine the drained fluid for air bubbles. If present, repeat the process.
Continue repeating the steps until the fluid in the drain pan is free of bubbles. Bubble-free fluid indicates a fully bled system [source: Axle Addict].
The first power steering system was introduced in the 1951 Chrysler Imperial.
