Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power Steering System Bleeding

[DPrew]

I need to get some feedback from people who have replaced their power steering pumps. My steering box had to be replaced so I decided to upgrade both the steering box and pump to AGR units. First the box was replaced and bled and the shop seemed to do a decent job. I did have to have them bleed the system a second time because the brakes were mushy and there were a few minor hiccups in the feeling of the steering.



A week later the stock pump was replaced with an AGR Super Pump which ia supposed to flow better than the OE unit. I think the mechanic ignored the AGR bleeding directions and bled the system like a car. He claimed he only had to turn the wheel from steering stop to steering stop a few times (4-5) to completely bleed the air out of the system.



The AGR directions say that it can easily take more than 40 steering stop cycles prime systems that have power steering coolers. I would like to hear some feedback from people who have bled their system to see what the likelihood is that the 4-5 cycles was adequate.



I suspect that the cooler was full of air and that the mechanic ruined the pump when he started the truck. I suspect that all the fluid pumped out of the reservoir into the emty cooler and damaged the pump. Or that the improperly bled system couldn't function properly and that this damaged the pump.



The shop that did the work is Firestone which has deep pockets to fix anything they screwed up. I'm sending the pump back to AGR and they will be able to tell if the damage was caused by improper bleeding. I'm ordering another pump and I want to make sure the mechanic doen't screw up a second time.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I had a mechanic do a similar hack bleed job after putting in a new steering box and I lost all power steering. I had to remove one of the lines off the back of the pump and free up the check valve. After that it took 100 or more turns back and forth to get all the air out. It was a real PAIN. I got the check valve info from Power Steering Services out of Missouri.



Dan

 

[DPrew]

My steering is only bad at low rpm's and while moving slowly. Trying to back into my driveway or into a tight parking spot is a real chore. Was your steering pump ruined by the air causing cavitation or was it OK after bleeding.

I'm assuming there is pump damage on my unit from metal on metal from the improper bleeding. My truck has racked up at least 600 miles since the problem began.

 

[BDanner]

There is a procedure in the factory shop manual. It begins with pulling a fuse, cranking the engine without firing, turning the wheel 3-4 times after firing and the fluid sucks right in. Be ready to start topping!



Don't have the CD with me right now or I would give more exact details.



Yes there is a simple way. Most mechanics have not seen this as I think it is unique to our pump system. The very knowledgeable heavy front end shop nearby that does UPS, Firetrucks, dump trucks were surprised when I pulled the laptop out and ran the CD manual with directions. They had frustrated themselves for 45 minutes and it was a 5 minute fix.



Their parting reply as I picked up my truck was "well I learned something from Joe Suburb today". Gotta love it!

 

[Pavemen]

i've got PSC steering box, remote reservoir and p-pump, hayden cooler and ram assist on my truck and it took over 30 turns lock to lock to bleed all the air. however, i started by filling the reservior and lifting the front axle and turning the wheels engine off. then top off and let it sit for a bit with the reservoir cap off.

top it off and then fire up the motor and start turning/topping. Also, all of your return lines should enter a component from the bottom and exit the top to help push the air out of the system.

 

[DPrew]

Did you have to do any bleeding to brakes after the install. The AGR Super Pump directions say that if the truck is equipped with the Hydro Assist brakes that you need to pump the brakes to relive the pressure in the Hydro Assist before starting the truck. It then says to pump the brakes more and to check for bubbles in the brake reservoir. The AGR directions are a little generic and are for use for multiple vehicles. So I'm not sure if the Hydro Assist info is applicable to my 02' or not. AGR claims the power steering Super Pump can be damaged if the Hydro Assist directions are not followed.

I'm trying to make sure my second pump install goes better than the first. If the shop butchers up the job again I'm going to have to head else where.

 

[Pavemen]

i was thinking about my gasser trail rig. sorry if it caused any confusion. forgot to consider hydro boost.

Here is the 01 FSM details (may or may not apply to your 02)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
PUMP - INITIAL OPERATION
WARNING: THE FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE
CHECKED WITH ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT INJURY
FROM MOVING COMPONENTS.
CAUTION: Use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid or
equivalent. Do not use automatic transmission fluid
and do not overfill.
Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicate COLD when the fluid is
at normal temperature.
(1) Turn steering wheel all the way to the left
(2) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two (2) minutes.
(3) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(4) Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 20
times with the engine off while checking the fluid
level.
NOTE: Vehicles with long return lines or oil coolers
turn wheel 40 times.
(5) Start the engine. With the engine idling maintain
the fluid level.
(6) Lower the front wheels and let the engine idle
for two minutes.
(7) Turn the steering wheel in both direction and
verify power assist and quit operation of the pump.
If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking,
allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and repeat
the procedure.
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for
an extended period. This may cause pump damage.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUSHING POWER
STEERING SYSTEM
Flushing is required when the power steering/hydraulic
booster system fluid has become contaminated.
Contaminated fluid in the steering/booster
system can cause seal deterioration and affect steering
gear/booster spool valve operation.
(1) Raise the front end of the vehicle off the
ground until the wheels are free to turn.
(2) Remove the return line from the pump.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic
booster remove both return lines from the pump.
(3) Plug the return line port/ports at the pump.
(4) Position the return line/lines into a large container
to catch the fluid.
(5) While an assistant is filling the pump reservoir
start the engine.
(6) With the engine running at idle turn the wheel
back and forth.
NOTE: Do not contact or hold the wheel against the
steering stops.
(7) Run a quart of fluid through the system then
stop the engine and install the return line/lines.
(8) Fill the system with fluid and perform Steering
Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Start the engine and run it for fifteen minutes
then stop the engine.
(10) Remove the return line/lines from the pump
and plug the pump port/ports.
(11) Pour fresh fluid into the reservoir and check
the draining fluid for contamination. If the fluid is
still contaminated, disassemble and clean the steering
gear and flush the system again.
(12) Install the return line/lines and perform
Steering Pump Initial Operation, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).