Replaced Power Steering Pump-Bleeding Question

**Boat** · 06-04-2008, 08:39 PM

I replaced the power steering pump today and refilled the reservoir. I have the belt off and the wheels in the air. My manual says to turn the wheels lock to lock at least 20 times to get all the air out of the system. I must have done it like 300 times and there's still bubbles in the fluid.

I turn the wheel like 20 times and watch the reservoir and the fluid level rises to the filler neck, then I stop. I shine a light into the reservoir and see lots of tiny bubbles (Cue Don Ho...)

Should I continue on until there are no more bubbles in there or what? I don't want to put the belt on and start it until I'm sure it's all bled...

Thanks

**silverz28camaro** · 06-04-2008, 09:09 PM

I would imagine that it is good, my power steering leaked before and all the fluid drained out, i put power steering conditioner in it and it stopped the leak. Only a few minutes and the PS was working. but there is still a leak as of now and my tie rod ends are bad. i just ordered the bmr manual rack and will be installing it this tuesday.

How much did your pump cost?

**Boat** · 06-04-2008, 09:26 PM

I don't remember exactly since I bought a bunch of other stuff at the time. I think it was like $70 at Kragen, but they charge you $50 for the core return...

I guess I'll just keep turning the wheel back and forth until I don't see any more bubbles. It's kinda tiring...

**Cutlass** · 06-05-2008, 03:11 AM

no you're good to go. Those tiny bubbles won't hurt. Put the belt on, start it up and if the pump doesn't whine then you're good to go.

**Danger731** · 06-05-2008, 05:01 AM

I just replaced mine and the new pump whines !

**wultdat** · 06-05-2008, 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by Danger731

I just replaced mine and the new pump whines !

That happened to me as well. I bought just the pump from AutoZone and it leaked worse than my previous one and sounded really bad. So, I got a Turn One pump which comes with a new reservoir and it was dead silent and does not leak at all.

**silverz28camaro** · 06-05-2008, 11:05 AM

I'm installing my manual rack this tuesday and i will do a little right up on it. I'm sure it will be a little harder to turn at lower speeds but i will save 30lbs and not have to worry about leaky pumps

**Boat** · 06-05-2008, 01:19 PM

It's all good to go. I installed the belt and started it up with the cap off...

No bubbles! Fluid level good... No more whine...

**Danger731** · 06-05-2008, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by wultdat

That happened to me as well. I bought just the pump from AutoZone and it leaked worse than my previous one and sounded really bad. So, I got a Turn One pump which comes with a new reservoir and it was dead silent and does not leak at all.

I need to look into this, I just got the pump only myself from NAPA. Cost 100 bux to get a ACE to do the job, I didn't want to deal with it. Mayby NAPA will replace my cash once I bring the POS back.

**Cutlass** · 06-05-2008, 04:51 PM

If it whines let its possible the fluid got all frothy. Let it sit for a few hours so the air bubbles come out and try again.
Otherwise from my experience, you'll get a lot of bad pumps from NAPA, Autozone, etc. before you get a good one. If there is an option, get the nicest one they have or get an AcDelco pump.