how do i bleed my power streering on my 91 firebird (stock was a 3.1L but not anymore) i had to take the pump off last night when i was takeing the heads off to replace a blown head gasket so now when i put the pump back on there is going to be air in the system. so how do i fix that?

 

http://www.agrperformance.com/instru...80A9A1780AAC2B

CHAPTER 4

 

ive never bled one before......99 precent of the time you dont have to unless it doesnt work right or feels squishy

 

from http://www.agrperformance.com/instr...580A9A1780AAC2B

20 AGR Performance Steering
Before Bleeding
Carefully inspect the steering system.
• Hoses must not touch any other part of vehicle. Steering system noise could
be caused by the hose touching the frame, body, or engine.
• All hose connections must be tight. Loose connections might not leak but
could allow air into the system. Do not over tighten o-ring hoses as the o-ring
might be crushed. Check flare seat type connections for exact fit.



How to Bleed
Step 1 Turn the engine off. Do not start the engine until the system is fully blead. Doing so
may cause damage to the power steering pump.
Step 2 Raise the front wheels off the ground, or remove the pitman arm or tie rod.
Step 3 Turn steering wheel fully to the left.
Step 4 Fill fluid reservoir to “full cold” level. Leave cap off.
Step 5 While an assistant is checking the fluid level and condition, turn the steering wheel
lock to lock at least 20 times.
— On systems with coolers, winches, or Rock Ram assist you may need to cycle
in excess of 40 times.
— Trapped air may cause fluid to overflow. Thoroughly clean any spilled fluid to
allow for leak check.
Step 6 While turning the wheel, check fluid constantly to ensure proper level and that no
bubbles exist.
— If you see any signs of bubbles, recheck all connections then repeat the steps
above.
— Fluid level should be steady (Rock Ram’s level will vary slightly).
Step 7 Start engine. With engine idling, maintain fluid level.
Step 8 Reinstall reservoir cap.
Step 9 Return wheels to center.
Step 10 Lower front wheels to ground or reinstall pitman arm or tie rod if removed in
Step 2.
Step 11 Run engine for two minutes. Turn steering wheel in both directions.
IMPORTANT
Use only clear name brand premium or synthetic power steering fluid, such as Royal
Purple or Red Line. Do not use transmission fluid, as transmission fluid doesn’t
contain the same friction inhibitors/additives and tends to breakdown and overheat.
Use of transmission fluid will void the warranty.
BLEEDING AIR FROM POWER STEERING SYSTEMS
Step 12 Verify the following conditions:
— Smooth power assist
— Noiseless operation
— Proper fluid level
— No system leaks
— Proper fluid condition
— No bubbles, foam, or discoloration
Step 13 If all conditions are satisfied, the bleeding procedure is complete.
Step 14 If any problem exists, turn off engine and see Special Conditions below.


Special Conditions
If you experience any of the conditions listed below, there is still air in the
system.
• Foam or bubbles in fluid (fluid must be completely free of bubbles).
• Power steering fluid should not rise in the reservoir when the engine is turned
off. If this occurs, there is trapped air in the system.
• Be alert to periodic bubbles that could indicate a loose connection, leaky oring,
or a bad flare seat in either the pressure or return hose.
• Discolored fluid (milky, opaque, or light tan color).
Eliminating Air in the Power Steering System
Follow the steps below to eliminate air in the power steering system.
Step 1 Turn ignition off. Wait two minutes. Recheck hose connections. Repeat start up
procedures. If problem still exists, replace or check for possible causes including:
— Return hose clamps
— Return hose o-ring or flare seat
— Pressure hose o-ring or flare seat
— All other connections
Step 2 Fill system and repeat bleeding procedure for each possible cause.

 

Damn, I better go re-bleed mine! Here's what I do...

1. Finish hooking up all lines
2. Fill p/s reservoir
3. Spin p/s pulley clockwise a bit
4. Attach belt
5. Start car, check for leaks
6. Move steering wheel lock-to-lock, return to center
7. Wait a bit
8. Check for leaks
9. Check fluid level
10. If level dropped, add more fluid, go back to step 6
11. If level same, drop car back to ground, go for a drive
*12. Check fluid level when I come back, and check it again the next day

Note that if this is done with the front of the car in the air (to eliminate rubbing bald spots on the front tires), when you lower the car to the ground again, make sure the fluid level is where it's supposed to be (not over/under filled).