GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Opel 🢒 2009 🢒 Insignia NB (Global Epsilon) 🢒 Preface 🢒 Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions 🢒 Power Steering System Bleeding

Note: 

   • Use clean, new power steering fluid type only. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.
   • Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise. Verify that the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.
   • Loose connections might not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Verify that all hose connections are tight.

Bleeding
  1. Switch the ignition OFF.
  2. Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  3. Turn the steering wheel full left.
  4. Fill the pump reservoir with fluid to FULL COLD level. Leave the cap off.
  5. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock at least 20 times, with an assistant checking the fluid level and condition. The engine remains OFF.
    6. • On systems with long return lines or fluid coolers, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock at least 40 times.
    •  Thoroughly clean any spilled fluid to allow for leak check. Trapped air may cause fluid to overflow.
    • Keep the fluid level at FULL COLD.
  6. While turning the steering wheel, check the fluid constantly.
    7. • No bubbles are allowed.
    • If any sign of bubbles, check the connection. Repeat step 5.
  7. Start the engine. With the engine idling, maintain the fluid level. Reinstall the cap.
  8. Return the wheels to center.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Keep the engine running for 2 minutes.
  11. Turn the steering wheel in both directions and verify :
    12. • Smooth power assist
    • Noiseless operation
    • Proper fluid level
    • No system leaks
    • Proper fluid condition
    • No bubbles, no foam and no discoloration
  12. If any problem remains, look in to Special Conditions.

Special Conditions

Fluid

    • Fluid must be completely free of bubbles and foam. In step 5, be alert to periodic bubbles that could indicate a loose connection or leaky O-ring seal in either the return hose or pressure hose.
    • Discolored fluid - milky, opaque or light tan color

Switch the ignition off. Wait 2 minutes. Recheck the hose connections. Repeat step 7-10. If the condition still exists, repeat and check for a possible cause:

    • Return hose clamps
    • Return hose O-ring
    • Pressure hose O-rings
    • Gear cylinder line O-rings

Fill the system and repeat the bleed procedure for each possible cause. Repeat steps 7-10 to verify if the fluid leak has been eliminated.

Noise

Pump whine or groan

With the engine running, recheck the hoses for possible contact with the frame body or engine. If no contact is found, follow one of the methods below to cool down the fluid and repressurize the system:

Method 1 - Normal Cool Down

  1. Switch the engine OFF.
  2. Wait for system to cool.
  3. Install the reservoir cap.

Method 2 - Partial Fluid Replacement

  1. Switch the engine OFF.
  2. Use a suction device to remove fluid from the reservoir.
  3. Refill with cool, clean fluid.
  4. Install the reservoir cap.

After either method of cooling, start the engine and allow the engine to come up to operating temperature. If noise persists, replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement.