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Power steering has been standard on all new vehicles for many years, regardless of size or equipment. More and more vehicles are also being fitted with electric power steering, which is gradually replacing the previously used hydraulic systems. The latter, however, is still installed on larger and heavier vehicles. Therefore, it is worth getting acquainted with the operation of the power steering, including its most important element, which is the hydraulic pump.

Removal and filling

The hydraulic power steering consists of six main components. As mentioned earlier, the most important of them is the hydraulic pump, the rest of the equipment is completed by the expansion tank, steering gear and three lines: inlet, return and pressure. Before each replacement of the hydraulic pump, the used oil must be removed from the system. Attention! This operation is carried out immediately before disassembling the pump. To remove old oil, raise the front of the car so the wheels can turn freely. The next step is to remove the pump drive belt and unscrew the inlet and pressure hoses. After 12-15 full turns of the steering wheel, all used oil should be outside the power steering.

Beware the dirt!

Now it's time for a new hydraulic pump, which must be filled with fresh oil before installation. The latter is poured into the hole, into which the inlet pipe will then be screwed, while simultaneously turning the drive wheel of the pump. However, before correct installation is carried out, it is necessary to check the cleanliness of the expansion tank. Any deposits in it must be removed. In case of very strong contamination, experts advise replacing the tank with a new one. Also, do not forget to change the oil filter (if the hydraulic system is equipped with one). Now it's time to install the pump, that is, connect the inlet and pressure pipes to it, and install the drive belt (the old experts advise not to use it). Then fill the expansion tank with fresh oil. After starting the engine at idle, check the oil level in the expansion tank. If its level drops too much, add the right amount. The last step is to check the oil level in the expansion tank after turning off the power unit.

With final bleeding

We are slowly approaching the end of the installation of a new hydraulic pump in the power steering system. The last task is to ventilate the entire installation. How to do them right? First of all, start the engine and let it idle. Then we check for alarming leaks from the system and the oil level in the expansion tank. When everything is in order, start moving the steering wheel from left to right - until it stops. How many times should we repeat this action? Experts advise doing this 10 to 15 times, while making sure that the wheels in the extreme position do not stand idle for more than 5 seconds. At the same time, the oil level in the entire system should be checked, especially in the expansion tank. After turning the steering wheel as described above, the engine must be turned off for about 10 minutes. After this time, you should repeat the entire procedure for turning the steering wheel. Completion of pumping the entire system is not the end of the entire procedure for replacing the hydraulic pump. The correct operation of the power steering system should be checked during a test drive, after which the oil level in the hydraulic system (expansion tank) should be checked again and check for leaks from the system.