How do i flush the hydraulic steering system - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro

Power steering assistance is generated by the power steering pump. This is accomplished by pressurizing hydraulic fluid and applying it to the steering gear; any failure that compromises this process can result in increased steering effort (a stiff steering wheel). The first item to check is the serpentine belt; if inadequate belt tension is present or the belt is missing, the power steering pump pulley will not be rotated fast enough to allow the pump to work. The second item to check is the power steering fluid reservoir; if the fluid level is too low (caused by a leak), air will be introduced into the hydraulic circuit and the hydraulic fluid will not be properly pressurized. This may also result in aerated fluid which appears foamy in consistency. The last item to check is the fluid condition itself; if shining a flashlight on the fluid reveals a glitter-like appearance, chances are that the internal parts of the pump are worn and are not longer capable of generating pressure. In this case the power steering pump would need to be replaced along with a whole system flush. In some severe cases with excessive debris, other components within the steering system may need to be replaced as well. You can read more here: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-power-steering-pump

Causes of Power Steering to fail.

• Contamination problems occur more frequently in rack and pinion power steering systems. Contamination can occur when pumps fail, hoses deteriorate, or moisture gets into the power steering fluid. All of these problems result in material contaminating the power steering fluid which can plug small orifices in the steering system, increase friction, and interfere with the fluids hydraulic characteristics, resulting in a failure of the power steering system.

Low fluid

• Low power steering fluid levels reduce the amount of hydraulic pressure created by the power steering pump, resulting in hard steering. Low fluid levels also cause increased wear of the power steering pump from inadequate lubrication and high fluid temperatures which further accelerates pump wear. Low power steering fluid can cause a power steering pump to wear out prematurely and can result in the eventual failure of the power steering system if not corrected.

Snapped belt

• Many vehicles use power steering pumps which are driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. Worn belts can slip causing a reduction in the fluid pressure produced by the power steering pump, which increases the effort needed to operate the steering system. Power steering belts that catastrophically cause an immediate loss of power steering as the pump is no longer being driven by the engine.

Worn pump

• As power steering pumps are operated and age they wear out. The seals and internal parts of the power steering pump break down over time and lead to an incremental loss of fluid pressure. As the pump wears out, pump noise and steering effort increases. Worn out pumps will eventually fail, leading to a total loss of fluid pressure and a failure of the power steering system.

Leaks

• Power steering systems require hydraulic fluid to operate. Hydraulic power steering fluid can leak from worn or damaged hoses and failing seals. When enough fluid is lost, the power steering pump can overheat or wear out prematurely, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure and failure of the power steering system.

crack open the large nut on your pipe on your rack .and drain it from there.do not take off .just crack it open to drain.then close the nut and refill .

replace power steering fluid with new fluid bleed system sound like you have air trapped in the system.replace fluid and bleed system see what happens.

I hope you don't have permanent damage from using the wrong fluid. There are several different types of power steering fluid and they are not necessarily compatible. I would have a shop flush the system and refill with the specified fluid.

I would look elsewhere in the hydraulic power steering system for where the metal flakes originated.

Firstly, get the proper power steering fluid that is meant for your car (some cars use power steering fluid, some use ATF, while others use hydraulic fluid...be sure to use the right one meant for your vehicle!!).

Secondly, get a clean turkey baster, with the car off, **** out the old fluid using the turkey baster and dispose of properly. Fill fluid to proper fill line on power steering reservoir bottle. Then start the car and run it for a couple of minutes while turning the steering wheel gently lock to lock and centering the wheel before shutting it off.

Third, repeat second step until fluid being sucked out matches or is VERY close to the clean fluid being put in.

Fourthly, clean up any spilled fluid thoroughly, as it may cause stains and or a fire hazard.

Fifthly, you are all done....should take you about 10-15 minutes entirely to do a proper flush of the power steering system.

Good day. Please check that all fan and V bellts are in place. Your power steering pump runs with a belt, and the brakes could be of the hydraulic type. Check your power steering pump for failure if all else fails. Hope this helps

Steering box problem

Power steering pump special tools


Power Steering Pump Removal & Installation Power Steering Pump (2V) To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle refer to the precautions at the beginning of this section.
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
3. Remove the accessory drive belt.
4. Remove the alternator.
5. Drain and remove the radiator coolant recovery reservoir.
6. Position a drain pan under the power steering pump underneath the vehicle. Disconnect the hydraulic pressure and return lines and allow to drain.
7. Remove the idler pulley from the power steering pump support.
8. Remove the belt tensioner.
9. Remove the bracket mounting bolt located under the belt tensioner mounting.
10. Remove two retaining nuts from the bracket mounting studs. Remove both mounting studs, and pull off the power steering pump support with the pump attached.
11. Clamp the pump support bracket in a suitable vise.
12. Remove the power steering pump pulley from the pump shaft using Pump Pulley Remover T69L-10300-B, or equivalent. Remove the three bolts retaining the power steering pump to the power steering pump support and remove the power steering pump.

To Install:
NOTE: The pulley must be installed within 0.010 in (0.25 mm) flush with the power steering pump shaft.

1. Install the power steering pump to the power steering pump support. Tighten the mounting bolts to 18 ft-lb. (25 Nm).
2. Install the power steering pump pulley using Steering Pump Pulley Replacer T65P-3A733-C, or equivalent; the pulley face must be flush within 0.010 inch (0.25mm) of the pump shaft.
3. Install the power steering pump/pump support and torque nuts/bolt to 24 ft. lbs. (33 Nm).
4. Install the bracket mounting bolt located under the belt tensioner mounting.
5. Install the belt tensioner.
6. Install the idler pulley to the power steering pump support.
7. Connect the hydraulic pressure and return lines.
8. Install the radiator coolant recovery reservoir.
9. Install the alternator.
10. Install the accessory drive belt.
11. Fill the power steering reservoir with power steering fluid.
12. Connect the battery ground cable.
13. Run the engine and check for leaks and proper operation. Bleed the power steering system if needed.