Steering Pump Bleed Procedure?

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Erik the Awful

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I did the procedure from the service manual and blew out the bottom seal in the gearbox I rebuilt. Don't trust the manual.

The Redhead procedure they send with their gearbox has you turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock about twenty times before ever starting the engine. That's very important.
 

someotherguy

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I did the procedure from the service manual and blew out the bottom seal in the gearbox I rebuilt. Don't trust the manual.

The Redhead procedure they send with their gearbox has you turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock about twenty times before ever starting the engine. That's very important.
First I've heard of anyone having a problem with that procedure - better safe than sorry though!

Richard
 

L31MaxExpress

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I do not go more than about 5 times lock to lock. Recheck the level and 5 times lock to lock. Once it stops drinking fluid from the reservoir, I fire it up let it run 30 seconds or so. Shut it off, recheck the level. Then fire it up and spin it lock to lock a few times. Then check the level again. Add as needed. The system will continue to purge any remaining air out of it for the next 10 to 100 miles and I check the level a few more times during that period. I have never had an issue doing it in this manner and I have worked on more than a few of these. My vans steering system was essentially dry when I put fluid in it and it is a hydroboost system. This method works on conventional and hydroboost systems. I do not see the need to wait overnight or for hours provided you keep fluid in the reservoir. The air is going to work its way out.
 

Ruff Idol

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Welp, turned out the pitman seal in my recently rebuilt Bluetop gearbox was the culprit. This will be the 5th time I yank out the gear in 3 years! I bet this is what got the old pump low on fluid and caused it to fail.
 
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