Bleeding Saginaw Power Steering Pump

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MrJLR

MrJLR

Built, not bought
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I am having a hell of a time bleeding my power steering pump. ..
At this point, still have no power assist that I can feel.
Still getting frothy bubbles, not a lot but definitely there.

Engine off, wheels off the ground, turning steering wheel lock to lock and pausing in between. ....dozens and dozens of times. ....

Any tips?

Jeff
 
MrJLR said:
I am having a hell of a time bleeding my power steering pump. ..
At this point, still have no power assist that I can feel.
Still getting frothy bubbles, not a lot but definitely there.

Engine off, wheels off the ground, turning steering wheel lock to lock and pausing in between. ....dozens and dozens of times. ....

Any tips?

Jeff
Click to expand...
Start the motor and do what you did before.
I think that will do it for you.
 
I would loosen the high pressure line from the pump OR loosen the high pressure line to the gear box, and turn the pump pulley by hand until you get fluid. IF you are brave, start the engine and loosen the high pressure side until you get a squirt, rag handy........
 
Still getting almost no power assist. ....I've heard these can be a PITA.....think it will bleed itself over time and driving?

Jeff
 
I would be tempted to do what dicer said and remove belt, put gearbox pressure side in a bucket and spin over by hand? I wouldn't wanna turn it over with engine...high psi there.
 
4spdragtop said:
I would be tempted to do what dicer said and remove belt, put gearbox pressure side in a bucket and spin over by hand? I wouldn't wanna turn it over with engine...high psi there.
Click to expand...
Well, I'm out of ideas so I'll give it a try....
What if I can't get fluid to come out....also if fluid does come out - what does that tell me?

Jeff
 
This is what I've done in the past. Do not start the engine until the system is fully bled. Doing so may cause damage to the power steering components. Pump internals are metal on metal. Any air in the system can cause metal to metal contact and damage. Raise the front wheels off the ground, turn steering wheel fully to the left. Fill fluid reservoir to “full cold” level. Leave cap off. With a helper checking the fluid level and condition, turn the steering wheel slowly and smoothly lock to lock until fluid level drops in pump reservoir. If fluid level has not dropped, no fluid has moved through the system. This normally indicates air in the reservoir or pump. Until this air is gone, no fluid will circulate through the system. Do not turn the steering wheel fast as this will cause the fluid to overflow the reservoir. Trapped air may cause fluid to overflow. 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
 
Ok...spun the pulley with both lines off and fluid comes out the return line...like its pumping backwards???

Jeff
 
Is this after a rebuild? I know the federal pump has a plunger assembly and if its not assembled correctly it will act like yours is.
 
did you rebuild the pump yourself or did you buy a rem. pump. If you did it yourself did you install the vanes backwards causing it to pump the fluid in reverse and come out the return line?
 
Yes...I replaced all the o-rings and seals...
I was reading that if the outer vane housing is upside-down this will happen. ...Anyone know about that?
It looked symmetrical but could be backwards. ...
Easy to change....I can have it off and apart in 15 minutes if that's all it is....

Jeff
 
If it was me, I would put it in vise, have a supply(return)hose and a discharge(pressure) hose connected to pump. Spin by hand and make sure it operates properly. If it doesn't I would take it apart, I would think parts/pieces in backwards will eventually be pooched.
I'm timing you..lol
 
4spdragtop said:
If it was me, I would put it in vise, have a supply(return)hose and a discharge(pressure) hose connected to pump. Spin by hand and make sure it operates properly. If it doesn't I would take it apart, I would think parts/pieces in backwards will eventually be pooched.
I'm timing you..lol
Click to expand...
Already out and apart....I don't mess around. ..!
I flipped the vane housing and will reassemble shortly!
The worst part is the mess!

Jeff
 
did you install the check valve correctly. I've seen before where it was not installed right or working correctly and it caused the fluid to come out the return line, just a thought
 
d1970 said:
did you install the check valve correctly. I've seen before where it was not installed right or working correctly and it caused the fluid to come out the return line, just a thought
Click to expand...
The main valve? Yes...
Damn it's hot in my garage!

Jeff
 
Ok...thank guys for walking me through this. ..all better now!!!
I just flipped the vane housing over, reassembled and it bled easy...!
And no more leaks!

Jeff
 
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