Replacing Power Steering Hoses and Bushing

[1981]

My 81 has a worn power steering hose (chaffed) that I need to replace this weekend. And the bushing that holds the power steering arm to the bracket connected to the car is worn also. I need to replace both of these. Any good instructions?

It looks pretty simple, but my main concern is. After replacing the hose...Do I need to bleed the power steering fluid like I would the brakes after cracking the line to replace the hose? Or can I just fill the reservior up and start the car up?

I have read some threads that kinda say to just fill the reservior up and start the car. As if the system does not need to bleed. If this is so, how does the system charge itself completely with fluid to get the bubbles out? Please let me know. or let me know how to properly bleed the power steering system so I can get this thing back on the road this weekend.

Thanks,
1981

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Unlike a hydraulic brake system, the fluid in a power steering system is contantly circulating. This means that any air in the system will soon be pumped back to the reservoir and no longer a concern.

Fill the reservoir, and start the engine. Make sure your arms are not in the way of the sterring wheel in case it jerks to one side during initial start. Once stable, turn the steering from one side to the other to speed the air purging procedure. Stop the engine and refill the reservoir if required, repeat if required.

 

[1981]

Man thats Great! And kinda what I got out of the other threads, but not that detailed. So I was confused. Can't get any easier than that. Thanks a lot, you have set me straight!

1981

 

[Yoda]

Also be aware that your power steering pump lid also has the dip stick, and it has 2 marks... one for filling when the fluid is hot and one when the fluid is cold

Also check the fluild as you remove the hose to see if it looks ok, if it's been in there for a long time, it could be kind of murky and full of gunk. It doesn't take that much more to run the slave cylinder to drain the system, just remove the other hose.. but be aware that as you more the steering wheel or slave cylinder, oil will SHOOT out

Bud