Power Steering Bleeding: Service and Repair
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING
Special Tools:
WARNING: Fluid level should be checked with the engine OFF to prevent personal injury from moving parts and to assure an accurate fluid level reading.
CAUTION: There is an Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) pump on some vehicles requiring a different fluid. Do not mix power steering fluid types. Damage may result to the power steering pump and system if any other fluid is used. The mechanical power steering pump systems on this vehicle require the use of Power Steering Fluid +4, which meets material specification MS-9602 or equivalent. The EHPS system uses fluid which meets material specification MS-11655 or equivalent. Do not overfill.
CAUTION: If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly, pump failure could result.
NOTE: Be sure the vacuum tool used in the following procedure is clean and free of any fluids.
1. Check the fluid level . Service and Repair When the fluid is at normal ambient temperature, approximately 21° - 27° C (70° - 80° F), the fluid level should read between the MAX and MIN markings. When the fluid is hot, fluid level is allowed to read up to the MAX line.
CAUTION: Do not fill fluid beyond the MAX mark. Check cap seal for damage and replace if needed.
2. Remove the cap from the fluid reservoir and fill the power steering fluid reservoir up to the MAX marking with the correct power steering fluid as follows:
- With a mechanical power steering pump - Mopar(R) Power Steering Fluid +4 or equivalent, which meets Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602.
- With an Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) - Mopar(R) Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid or equivalent, which meets Chrysler Material Standard MS-11655.
3. For EHPS systems, cycle the steering wheel lock-to-lock three times with the engine off.
4. Tightly insert the (9688A) (4) into the mouth of the reservoir (3):
CAUTION: Failure to use a vacuum pump reservoir (1) may allow power steering fluid to be sucked into the hand vacuum pump.
5. Attach (C-4207-A) (2) or equivalent, with reservoir (1) attached, to the Power Steering Cap Adaptor (4).
CAUTION: Do not run the vehicle while vacuum is applied to the power steering system. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
NOTE: When performing the following step make sure the vacuum level is maintained during the entire time period.
6. Using Hand Vacuum Pump (2), apply 68-85 kPa (20-25 in. Hg) of vacuum to the system for a minimum of three minutes.
7. Slowly release the vacuum and remove the special tools.
8. Adjust the fluid level as necessary. Refer to 1.
9. Repeat 1 through 8 until the fluid no longer drops when vacuum is applied.
10. Start the engine and cycle the steering wheel lock-to-lock three times.
NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops.
11. Stop the engine and check for leaks at all connections.
12. Check for any signs of air in the reservoir and check the fluid level. If air is present, repeat the procedure as necessary.