Help, I put a power steering unit(pump.box and hoses) :eek: on and it is all ready to go, I put in maybe one quart of the fluid and there it sat. I know I spilled more out of it changing the lines cleaning it etc. do i fire it up and see what happens, or let it gravity bleed for a week. thanks. Oh ya, I did turn the pump counter clockwise to let the bubbles out and nothing happened.

You were right on with turning the pump...but you also need to start it up and let it run. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times, with the front wheels off the ground. This should take care of it.

You want to try and get as much air out of the system as you can, BEFORE you start your engine. Any air left in the system will get whipped to a froth when it passes through the power steering pump. It then takes much longer to work the air out of the milky looking soup!

What you want to do is jack both front wheel off the ground. (Make sure your wheel at full lock don't hit the stands.) Make sure that the reservoir is full to the COLD mark on the capstick. Now rotate the steering wheel lock-to-lock about a dozen times. Recheck the fluid level and add as required. Rotate the steering wheel lock-to-lock again about a dozen times. Refill as necessary.

Now drop the car, start your engine for a few minutes. Rotate lock-to-lock a couple times. Check for any leaks. Refill the reservoir to the COLD mark. Go for a short test drive.

When drive is complete. Check fluid level one more time.

BTW I recommend that you use GM power steering fluid. You can purchase it at any GM dealership. GM part number is 89020661. It is the ONLY fluid that is specifically formulated to work with the Saginaw power steering pump.

Good luck,

I have done it several times just like JIML82 described. Have never had any problems. The most important thing IMO is to recheck the fluid level several times while you do this, don't overfill and make sure you put the cap back on after you check/refill. Can make a nasty mess if the cap is not tightened smile.gif