Hi, Just replaced the power steering pump on my 1972 Comet GT. The old one worked but was making noise. After I installed the new one I raised the front end of the car and with the engine running turned the steering wheel lock to lock a few times to expel any trapped air. I then took the car for a short test drive. The steering was nice and easy at first but very quickly became almost impossible to turn the wheel at a dead stop. No leaks and the fluid level is at max. Any ideas? Is the new pump bad? Assuming it is ok then what else could it be? Bob in Acworth GA
Just turning the wheels lock to lock a few times should expel all the air. I once had a piece of metal lodge in the overpressure valve in the pump. Felt almost like the front end was locked. Took a lot of effort to turn the wheels. Once I cleaned out the overpressure valve all was normal again. Just an idea. Ron
Here is how I bleed power steering systems: Jack up the front of the car to get the tires off of the ground, use stands Check and top off the power steering fluid With the engine off, turn the steering wheel lock to lock 6-7 times Re-check and top off the power steering fluid With the front still jacked up, start the engine and do 6-7 more lock to locks If all sounds good, drop the car and see how the steering feels The purpose of going lock to lock with the engine off is to keep the pump from inadvertently pumping air pockets and causing aeration of the fluid (tons of tiny air bubbles).
