Power Steering Fluid Vacuum Pump

[md21722]

Has anyone used anything like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HMXFBH0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

to bleed air from the power steering system after changing a pump or steering box?

 

[Fedwrench]

I use a mityvac hand pump with a small container inline between the pump and the reservoir adapter. pump it up to 20 inches and let it sit for awhile.

 

[Mike.ASC]

The easiest way to bleed the air out of the ps system after replacing a part is to fill the fluid reservoir, start the engine, turn the steering wheel lock to lock a few times and turn off the engine and let the remaining bubbles dissipate for a few minutes and top off the reservoir.

 

[Krician]

The easiest way to bleed the air out of the ps system after replacing a part is to fill the fluid reservoir, start the engine, turn the steering wheel lock to lock a few times and turn off the engine and let the remaining bubbles dissipate for a few minutes and top off the reservoir.

I warn others to NOT start the engine so you don't "foam" the fluid and to jack the front end up and turn lock to lock so it's easier than when the wheels are touching the ground. Everyone has a different method, I watch my coworker grab a helper to start the car while he fills the reservoir, my other co worker does your method and has the pump whining for a couple minutes until he can clear out the foam/ bubbles.

 

[md21722]

I thought of this tool as something like the vacuum air lift coolant system fillers. Sure you can do it without a dedicated tool in most cases, but a dedicated tool can make the job easier.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I've only used it on the old ford reservoir. A couple rangers were a pain in the *** to bleed. It would shudder for a while if you didn't pull vacuum. One I let sit running for an hour and a half and it bled out

I just fill the reservoir start the car, refill it, then go back to back a couple times. That's usually enough

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

If you replace, lines pumps or gear on any of the GM R/V bodies, (Acadias, Traverse, etc) you need one to get all the air out.

 

[bob_the_builder]

How does that tool work?

 

[rpcraft]

I was always told to cycle the steering all the way left and right several times before you start the motor, then start it cycle it again, and then cut the motor off and leave it sitting for a while with the reservoir cap off. Then come back about an hour or two later, fill it up and start and cycle it again.

 

[md21722]

How does that tool work?

The pictures don't show it very well. You hook shop air up to the top of the bottle and the vacuum generator inside creates a vacuum. The rubber cone shaped part is held against the top of the power steering pump cap. Hold it there for 30-60 seconds and air should be purged from the system.

Basically all they are doing is taking a Naglene water bottle, and putting a vacuum generator in one end with a universal cone on a length of hose on the other. Would be nicer if there was a valve and gauge I suppose.

 

[WhiffySpark]

The pictures don't show it very well. You hook shop air up to the top of the bottle and the vacuum generator inside creates a vacuum. The rubber cone shaped part is held against the top of the power steering pump cap. Hold it there for 30-60 seconds and air should be purged from the system.

Basically all they are doing is taking a Naglene water bottle, and putting a vacuum generator in one end with a universal cone on a length of hose on the other. Would be nicer if there was a valve and gauge I suppose.

Mityvac has them one for their vacuum hand pump with a gauge.

I've never needed it on a gm

 

[md21722]

Mityvac has them one for their vacuum hand pump with a gauge.

I've never needed it on a gm

I saw those too. Matco will sell you either powered or hand pump style, and Snap On is selling Blue Point that is for hand pump as well.

 

[ike]

I used the harbor freight hand vacuum pump and then went to a beer homebrew store and bought a rubber stopper the size of my power steering pump filler neck. I drilled a hole in it and attached a brass fitting and a rubber hose and had a vacuum rig for about $30.

 

[WhiffySpark]

The whole vacuum pump kit is a good thing to have. You don't use them on new cars as much anymore but I use it once in a while

 

[dontlifttoshift]

Yes, I have one and I use it all the time. Most of our installs are completely new so this really speeds up the process. Install vacuum, turn left to right a bunch of times, done. Without even starting the car. Lifesaver for Hydroboost installs.

My new found use for it is bleeding clutch hydraulics as many don't have bleeders on them any more.