The high pressure power steering line on my 88 Iroc (Auto/TPI) Convertible is leaking. How do you replace it? I am assuming it just unscrews like brake lines, but how do you bleed the system again to get the air out and the power steering fluid in?

I appologize for such a simple question, but wanted to make sure I don't wind up wrecking the gear box or pump in the process.

Thanks.

 

yea, the line just screws in..


to bleed it:
lift the front wheels off the ground...

fill the PS pump with fluid

start the car and turn the wheels full lock one way to full lock the other way... do that a few times, then recheck your PS fluid level... fill if needed.. thats it.


alot easier then brakes eh?

 

Thanks for the quick reply - that does certainly sound easier than bleeding the brakes!

One more stupid question - why do I need to lift the wheels off the ground?

 

honestly, i dont know.

every manual that listed that procedure said to lift them off the ground.... i can take a guess at it, but im not positive. my guesses are

• could just be that its harder to turn the wheel when there is air in the line
• the steering box doesnt like stress without fluid
• the pump shouldnt be strained when it has air bubbles going thru it?

remember im just taking a guess at it... *shrug*

 

So you don't flat spot your tires from turning thr wheels lock to lock several times without the car moving.

 

Thanks for all the info - I'm going to tackle this project this weekend. Hopefully I won't be posting how to change the steering box next week!

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

One thing. You'll need an 18mm wrench for the line fittings and most wrench sets don't include 18mm for some reason.

 

Yea, isn't that the dumbest ****, they love to go from 16mm or 17mm straight to 19mm????????????????????

BTW: I've had some that will want to strip with a wrench, and in extream cases I'll have saw off the line and use a deep socket. The best way to assure removal is use a crows foot. A crows foot will have a much more wrap around, and you'll actualy need to slide it on, but works wonders.

Good Luck,

Ron

 

That, or a flare nut wrench...

 

I bleed the PS by raising the front off the ground then with the engine off, turn it lock to lock a couple times. Fill it up then start the engine and go lock to lock a few more times and check the fluid level.