Power steering bleed procedures and or flushing

CHRISCANDO45

MEMBER
2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

I have the car listed above LS model, front wheel drive. I am going to replace the power steering pump because after making noise and one day it got really hard to steer. My question is about the bleeding procedure. Is it with a vacuum pump, or just by turning the wheels from left to right? And what is the correct way to bleed the system? Do I also have to flush it as well? If so, do you flush the system before or after the install of the new pump? Any information or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help. Christopher

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon.

The bleeding is done by turning the wheel all the way to the right for about five seconds and then to the left for five seconds. Do this several times.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

System Bleeding

Important:
* Use clean, new power steering fluid type only. See the Maintenance and Lubrication subsection for fluid specifications. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations ().

* Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise. Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.

* Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Verify that all hose connections are tight.

Important: Power steering fluid level must be maintained throughout bleed procedure.

1. Fill pump reservoir with fluid to minimum system level, FULL COLD level, or middle of hash mark on cap stick fluid level indicator.

Important: With hydro-boost only, the oil level will appear falsely high if the hydro-boost accumulator is not fully charged. Do not apply the brake pedal with the engine OFF. This will discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.

2. If equipped with hydro-boost, fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following procedure:

1. Start the engine.
2. Firmly apply the brake pedal tent to fifteen times.
3. Turn the engine OFF.

3. Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (See: Vehicle Lifting > Procedures > Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle).
4. Key on engine OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop twelvetimes.
Vehicles equipped with hydro-boost systems or longer length power steering hoses may require turns up to 15 to 20 stop to stops.
5. Verify power steering fluid level per operating specification. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid (See: Steering > Procedures > Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid).
6. Start the engine. Rotate steering wheel from left to right. Check for sign of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining).
7. Verify the fluid level. Repeat the bleed procedure, if necessary.