Flushing Power Steering System

Four factors affect operation of the steering system: fluid level and condition, drive belt tension, pump pressure and steering gear adjustment. These should always be checked before any major service operations are performed.
Conditions such as, hard or loose steering, road shock or vibrations are not always due to steering gear or pump, but are often related instead to such factors as low tire pressure and front end alignment. These factors should be checked and corrected before any adjustment of the steering gear is made.
If fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to proper level on dipstick and replace filler cap.

1. Raise front end of vehicle off ground until wheels are free to turn.
2. Remove fluid return hose at pump inlet connector and plug connector port on pump. Position hose in large container.
3. While an assistant is filling reservoir with new power steering fluid, run engine at idle. turn steering wheel from stop to stop. Do not contact wheel stops or hold wheel in a corner as fluid will stop and pump will be in pressure relief mode. A sudden overflow from reservoir may develop if wheel is held at a stop.
4. Install all pipes and hoses. Fill system with new power steering fluid and bleed system as outlined under SYSTEM BLEEDING.
5. Operate engine for 15 minutes.
6. Remove pump return hose at pump inlet and plug connection on pump. While refilling reservoir, check draining fluid for contamination. If foreign material is still evident, replace all hoses, disassemble and clean or replace power steering system components. Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid.