GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1998 🢒 Savana 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering System 🢒 Power Steering System Bleeding

Prior to Bleeding the Power Steering System

    Important: When bleeding the air from the power steering system, use only clean, new power steering fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

  1. Bleed the power steering system under the following conditions:
    2. • After replacing any component
    • After disconnecting the fluid line
    • To correct steering system noise
  2. Bleed the power steering system to prevent the following conditions:
    3. • Pump damage
    • Improper system operation
    • Steering system noise

    Object Number: 102169 Size: SH
  3. Inspect the power steering system prior to bleeding it. Verify that the following conditions apply:
    4. • The power steering hoses are not touching any other part of the vehicle.
    • The hose connections are tight.
    • The steering system noise is not caused by a hose touching the frame, the body, or the engine.
    • Loose connections are not allowing air into the system.

Bleeding the Power Steering System
   • 
  • Turn OFF the engine.
    •    • 
    Object Number: 299713 Size: SH
  • Raise the front wheels off of the ground.
    •    • 
    Object Number: 105104 Size: SH
  • Turn the steering wheel fully to the left.
    •    • 
    Object Number: 105105 Size: SH
  • Fill the fluid reservoir to the FULL/COLD level.

    • Leave the cap off.

       • 
    Object Number: 105108 Size: SH
  • Leave the engine OFF.

    • With an assistant checking the level and the condition of the power steering fluid, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and fully to the right at least 20 times.

       - On systems with long return lines or fluid coolers, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and fully to the right at least 40 times.
       - Trapped air may cause the fluid to overflow. Thoroughly clean any spilled fluid to allow for a leak check.
       - Keep the fluid level at FULL/COLD.
       • 
    Object Number: 105105 Size: SH
  • Check the fluid constantly while turning the wheel.
    •    - Ensure that there are no bubbles in the fluid.
       - If there are any bubbles in the fluid, recheck all of the connections, then repeat Step 5.
        • Turn ON the engine.
            1. With the engine idling, maintain the fluid level.
            2. Reinstall the cap.
       • 
    Object Number: 105114 Size: SH
  • Center the wheels.
    •    • 
  • Lower the front wheels to the ground.
    •    • 
  • Keep the engine running for 2 minutes.
    •    • 
    Object Number: 105108 Size: SH
  • Turn the steering wheel in both directions. Verify that the following conditions apply:
    •    - Smooth power assist
       - Noiseless operation
       - Proper fluid level
       - Absence of system leaks
       - Proper fluid condition
       - Absence of bubbles
       - Absence of foam
       - Absence of fluid discoloration
       - The procedure is complete if the system passes the inspection. If problems remain, see Special Conditions, below.

    Special Conditions

    If problems still exist after completing the above procedure, proceed as follows:

       • 
    Object Number: 105115 Size: SH
  • Ensure that the power steering fluid is completely free of bubbles. Periodic bubbles found during Step 5 above may indicate one of the following conditions:
    •    - A loose connection in either the return hose or the pressure hose.
       - A leaky O-ring seal in either the return hose or the pressure hose.
       • 
  • Inspect the power steering fluid for discoloration. If the fluid is milky, opaque, or tan in color, perform the following procedure:
    • 0.1. Turn OFF the engine.
    0.2. Wait 2 minutes.
    0.3. Repeat steps 7 through 10 above.
    0.4. If the condition persists, inspect each of the following components, replace any that are defective:
           - The return hose clamps
           - The return hose O-rings
           - The pressure hose O-rings
           - The gear cylinder line O-rings
    0.5. After replacing any suspect components, repeat Steps 7 through 10 above in order to verify that the condition has been corrected.
       • 
    Object Number: 105117 Size: SH
  • Inspect for any whining or groaning noise in the power steering pump. If noise persists, turn ON the engine and recheck the hoses for possible contact with the frame body or the engine. If there is no contact, follow either method below in order to cool down the fluid and repressurize the engine.

    • Method 1 -- Normal Cool Down

    Employ the following method for normal engine cool-down:

    1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
    2. Wait for the system to cool.
    3. Install the reservoir cap.

    Method 2 -- Partial Fluid Replacement

    The engine can also be cooled by partially replacing the fluid in the reservoir. Proceed as follows:

    1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
    2. Use a suction device in order to remove fluid from the reservoir.
    3. Refill the reservoir with cool, clean fluid.
    4. Install the reservoir cap.

    After either method of cooling, turn ON the engine and allow the engine to reach the normal operating temperature. If the noise persists, remove and replace the power steering pump. Repeat the bleeding procedure following the pump replacement.