What am I missing? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*MJF* · 07-29-2002, 09:15 PM

I just got all my power steering stuff hooked, but it's not working. The pump is making grinding noise like it's a bad pump & the PS fluid is all foamy(air bubbles).

Does this sound like a bad pump or is there something I'm supposed to do to "prime" the gearbox with fluid? The gearbox & pump were both used when I got them. The pump was supposedly pulled off a running truck.

I need input on this. I have a hard time stopping on a project before it's done & pulling that PS pump is a PITA.

Mike

*Zkast* · 07-29-2002, 09:21 PM

Pumps mounted in the "with A/C" location wont bleed the air out by themselves like other models will. The pump is actually level with the gear which means you will need to force some of the air out of the gear manually. Try turning the wheels side to side with the engine off, then start periodicaly to see if it will pick up fluid or not. Dont run it to long as this will damage the pump.

This is somewhat dangerous but try cracking the pressure line loose just a bit, enough to cause a small leak. then start it up and work the wheel from side to side.

Good luck with it!

*MJF* · 07-29-2002, 09:52 PM

doesn't pressure come from the pump?

wouldn't that cause more air in th gearbox?

Denny · 07-29-2002, 09:58 PM

Jack up the front end and turn the wheels all the way to right and all the way to the left a few times ( do not hold it all way over) with engine running should get the air out.

**Tim Christian** · 07-29-2002, 10:07 PM

When you first hook one up they always do that. What I do is with the truck idleing and the pump full turn the wheels back and forth each way as far as you can turn it about 20 times then turn it off and check the fluid level and add as needed. Then take it for about a 15 minute drive and stop and check fluid again and so on it will finally work all the air out.

da-burb · 07-29-2002, 10:19 PM

do what Denny and Tim are telling you. I have seen some of these clear up in 15 minutes of turning the wheel lock to lock and others have taken what seems to be 15 days to finally be burped. Take your time and the bubbles will work their way out.

*MJF* · 07-29-2002, 10:40 PM

I did exactly what Zkast said & it worked. Sorry for doubting you.

*Zkast* · 07-29-2002, 10:46 PM

Glad ya got it going.. nothing worse than a powersteering gear box and no power.

07-29-2002, 09:15 PM	#1
MJF No longer truckless Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 299	What am I missing? I just got all my power steering stuff hooked, but it's not working. The pump is making grinding noise like it's a bad pump & the PS fluid is all foamy(air bubbles). Does this sound like a bad pump or is there something I'm supposed to do to "prime" the gearbox with fluid? The gearbox & pump were both used when I got them. The pump was supposedly pulled off a running truck. I need input on this. I have a hard time stopping on a project before it's done & pulling that PS pump is a PITA. Mike

07-29-2002, 09:58 PM	#4
Denny Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cedar Hill, MO Posts: 426	Jack up the front end and turn the wheels all the way to right and all the way to the left a few times ( do not hold it all way over) with engine running should get the air out. __________________ 1969 Chevy C10. Dakota Digital Gauges, 383 Votex Engine, MSD 8361 Distributor, MSD 6A Unit, Demon Carb, Phoenix Transmission 4L80E trans, 3:73 Posi Rear End Early Classics 6 Lug Disc Brakes and Spindles All Stainless Lines

07-29-2002, 10:19 PM	#6
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	do what Denny and Tim are telling you. I have seen some of these clear up in 15 minutes of turning the wheel lock to lock and others have taken what seems to be 15 days to finally be burped. Take your time and the bubbles will work their way out. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

07-29-2002, 09:21 PM	#2
Zkast Account Suspended Join Date: May 2002 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 929	Pumps mounted in the "with A/C" location wont bleed the air out by themselves like other models will. The pump is actually level with the gear which means you will need to force some of the air out of the gear manually. Try turning the wheels side to side with the engine off, then start periodicaly to see if it will pick up fluid or not. Dont run it to long as this will damage the pump. This is somewhat dangerous but try cracking the pressure line loose just a bit, enough to cause a small leak. then start it up and work the wheel from side to side. Good luck with it!

07-29-2002, 09:52 PM	#3
MJF No longer truckless Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 299	doesn't pressure come from the pump? wouldn't that cause more air in th gearbox?

07-29-2002, 10:07 PM	#5
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	When you first hook one up they always do that. What I do is with the truck idleing and the pump full turn the wheels back and forth each way as far as you can turn it about 20 times then turn it off and check the fluid level and add as needed. Then take it for about a 15 minute drive and stop and check fluid again and so on it will finally work all the air out.

07-29-2002, 10:40 PM	#7
MJF No longer truckless Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 299	I did exactly what Zkast said & it worked. Sorry for doubting you.

07-29-2002, 10:46 PM	#8
Zkast Account Suspended Join Date: May 2002 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 929	Glad ya got it going.. nothing worse than a powersteering gear box and no power.



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