Power steering problems

[JStokes]

I can't figure out my powersteering problem. I have been told that these pumps can get airlocked and that it is nearly impossible to get them to purge the air. I've tried everything I can think of. Basically, I fill it with powersteering fluid. It hums a lot and starts working humming all the way. Then I shut it down and it pukes foamy crap all over the driveway. I called Ken at Autoworld and he said that sometuimes you just have to work through it but they usually come around. I'm hoping someone has a miracle cure, or easy solution, I am having no luck. Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

If you have any air in the steering lines will give you problems . I had that happen a few years ago, had to jack up the front end and bleed it with the motor/steering going. Try it, sounds exactly what I had problems with.



Jack up the front end, with motor running, have someone turn the wheel all the way to one side, bleed it at the pump, (dont remember which line though), retighten, turn to the other side slowly, bleed, retighten.



One thing I was told when doing this was not to take it all the way, (when it squeals), stop right before it would squeal.



I also had to do that one time after replacing the steering box.

 

[JStokes]

Can you help me out on the details?

I jacked this thing up once already, but I didn't have the motor running. I simply turned the wheels back and forth several times. Is there a place to discconect things to bleed the air off? Shouldn't it come out itself?

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

Yes, back off one of the lines at the steering gear box, Sorry, I dont remember which one I did, I think it was the one closer to the cab. Loosen it up, like you would bleeding the brake line at the caliper. Go slow on the bleeding, take your time, as it is under pressure.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

Basically what you are doing , is making sure the pump is getting just the fluid. When just fluid comes out and no air or foam, should be better then.



I have also at one time, had to get a turkey baster, to suck out the old Power steering fluid, to replace with new fluid.



Hope this helps