I had a leak in the rack and pinon assy. I replaced it and the new one was binding and hard to turn and the pump was whining. I replaced the pump and bled it again. It got a little better but was still hard to turn. I got a replacement rack under warranty and it solved the hard to steer problem, but now it still whines even worse. Is there a special procedure to bleeding the system on a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero?I saw on tip online to bleed it thru the bleed valve on the pump, but do not see one.
Country: United StatesMake: OldsmobileModel: AleroYear: 2002Engine: V-6
Hello, I'm Cam. Please include all the details about your issue so I can accurately advise you. I cannot see your vehicle so please be detailed.There is a bleed procedure, and it is not all that difficult. To begin with, have the front end of the vehicle lifted and supported. Then, while the engine is still off, slowly turn the wheels all the way left and all the way right 10 times fully while maintaining the fluid level. Next start the engine and again turned slowly 10 times side to side. Finally, set the vehicle down and repeat this again. If the noise continues after this, then it is an indication that there was debris in the system, and that the debris is what caused the issue.Given the problems that these vehicles have, it is often required that the pump and the steering gear be replaced at same time.
2002 Olds Alero
The system was flushed so I do not think it is a debris issue.
The pump was replaced with the 1st rack.
I used Prestone fluid, should I try something else.
I read that this may be the problem.
If you are 100% certain all of the old fluid and possible debris was flushed out, then yes changing fluids to the synthetic may help. You can drain the system, then install the new fluid and bleed in the procedure I listed. Be sure not to start the engine until you have cycled the steering well at least 10 Times slowly with the wheels off the ground. If the fluid keeps going down every time, then cycle it more until the fluid remains up.
Maybe I did not bleed correctly, What is your recomendation for this procedure?
Ideally if the air has been circulated through, you will want to use the vacuum pump on the top of the power steering pump, then pull the air out with the vacuum. You can still lift the front and and do the other procedure slowly, and once it is full just continue back and forth slowly to try and release it.
Sorry Cam, I meant to say I may not have flushed it properly and what is your recomendation?
I did try a vacuum pump, but I had to make a cap out of an extra because the hole is not round for the adapter I have from Kent Mooer tools and may not be getting a good seal because it will not hold a vacuum.
I would drain as much as you can out then install new . Heat cycle it and then flush it again and then evaluate.
Thanks for you help. I will try all of your recomendations. And keep my fingers crossed.
Reply back and I will accept your answer so you can get paid.
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Experience: 11 years Automotive experience all with Gm.
Cam,
It turns out the new AC Delco pump was bad.
As was the AC Delco rack.
I am pretty much done with GM and their products..
I spent 4 hours replacing their parts and the response from the AC Delco rep was "We dont pay labor on warranty parts".
Thanks for the tips however.