How to properly bleed the power steering system on your Duramax
After replacing any parts within the hydro-boost or power steering system, it is required to properly bleed the system to eliminate any air pockets and have a properly functioning system.
Step 1: Fill the Pump Reservoir with fluid to the minimum system level, full cold level, or middle of the hash mark on the cap stick fluid level indicator. See Figure 4.
Step 2: Charge the hydro-boost accumulator. Start the engine, firmly apply the brake pedal 10-15 times, turn the engine off. DO NOT apply the brake pedal with the engine off as it may discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.
Step 3: Raise the vehicle so the front wheels are off the ground.
Step 4: With the Key on and the engine on, turn the steering wheel stop to stop 15-20 times.
Step 5: Verify the power steering fluid level.
Step 6: Start the engine. rotate the steering wheel from left to right. Check for signs of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining)
Remove the reservoir cap, inspect the fluid level. See figure 3
You want the level to be under the full cold line as overfilling is just as bad as underfilling. See figure 4 & 5.
You want the level to be under the full cold line as overfilling is just as bad as underfilling. See figure 4 & 5.
Step 6: Start the engine. rotate the steering wheel from left to right. Check for signs of cavitation or fluid aeration (pump noise/whining)
Step 7: Verify the fluid level and repeat the bleed procedure if necessary.
Photo References:
| Figure 1 | Figure 2 | Figure 3 | Figure 4 | Figure 5 |
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| Cold line on the dipstick | Hot line on the dipstick | Power Steering Fluid cap | Ideal cold level | Ideal hot level |