Whine Or Moan Noise From The Power Steering - keywords air bleeding fluid gear hose pinion pump rack turn turning wheel

This PI was superceded to change the recommendation to bleed the power steering system. Please discard PIT4537.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Some customers may complain of a whine or moan noise from the power steering while turning the steering wheel. This may be caused by air in the power steering system. Follow the steps below to remove air from the power steering system.

Fill (if necessary) and bleed the power steering system using the following procedure: Important: If the dealership does not have a J 23738A (MityVac) or equivalent, bleed the power steering system using the procedure found in SI. Be sure to note on the repair order which procedure was used to bleed the power steering system.

Power Steering System Bleed Procedure Using the J 23738A (MityVac) and J 42485 (Adapter) (or equivalent)

Important: Maintain the fluid level throughout the bleed procedure.

1. Fill the fluid reservoir to the FULL COLD level. Leave the cap off.

2. Raise the front wheel off the ground.

3. Attach the J 43485 (Adapter) to the J 23738 (MityVac), or equivalent. Place the J 43485 on/in the pump reservoir filler neck. Apply a vacuum of 20 in Hg MAXIMUM.

Note: If the J 43485 (adapter) is not available, an equivalent can be made using a rubber seal/stopper and brass fitting.

Important: An assistant is needed for the next step.

4. Apply vacuum while turning the steering wheel lock to lock. Maintain 20 in Hg while turning. Using a clear line will allow you to see bubbles evacuating system. Stop when no more bubbles are seen.

5. Wait five minutes. Typically vacuum drop is 2-3 in Hg. Verify the fluid level. If the fluid level is low, fill to the full line.

6. Reinstall the cap. Start and idle the engine.

7. Turn the engine off. Verify the fluid level. If the fluid level drops, add fluid. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the fluid level stabilizes.

8. Start and idle the engine. Turn the steering wheel 180°-180° in both directions five times. DO NOT TURN TO LOCK.

9. Switch the ignition off. Verify the fluid level.

10. Install the cap. The bleed procedure is complete.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.