Powersteer pump priming/bleeding - Help

[luckydip]

R32 GTSt. After taking off my perfectly good & working steering pump to fix some other probs (included was replacing some of the low pressure power steer return lines), the pump on starting the engine made a GRINDING NOISE like the pump was running dry.

I tried turning the wheels from lock to lock and made sure the resevior was full - but didn't help. I did notice the fluid was foamy in the resevoir.

Is this an air lock prob?

How do I bleed the system?

Are both the HP hoses on top of the pump, delivering fluid, or is one a return line?

HELP

[Revhead]

One feeds the rack, the other is a low pressure return. I replaced one of my hoses recently, all I did was top up the reservoir, have someone repeatedly turning the wheels left-right-left-right (it was off the ground on a hoist) and just keep topping up until the level stopped dropping and I stopped getting bubbles. Drove it around, checked it a day or two later, topped it back up, and haven't had a problem since.

In answer to 'how to bleed', I assume there'd be a bleed on the rack somewhere. If I get a chance I'll have a look and take some piccies next time it's on the hoist.

[luckydip]

Thanks for reply....reason I didn't get back was because I have been working on the prob. Rang local expert on P'steer and he said first up pump buggered (typical of "experts" replace first...then have a think about it). Explained tried 2 pumps then he suggested:

1. jack up car

2. With engine off - turn steering back and forth SLOWLY 5 times

3. Try again.

Expert said P'steer system is SELF PRIMING and that one of the HP hoses is a return line. Withthis in mind I also cracked both hoses and let foamy fluid out (with engine off).

Tried again and it WORKED!!!!! No noise.

Supports your theory - thanks

On HICAS - the 2 lines going to the rear rack don't appear to be re-circulating (no return line?) AND there are 2 bleed nipples on the rear rack. IF the HICAS light comes on, there may be air in the rear lines. A good bleed may fix all those flashing HICAS lights.

Thanks for reply....it was my first thread.

__________________

This is before I wacked the cliff....

[Bl4cK32]

A DIY guide with photos would be a life saver guys. This is a very common problem on the r32's due to them using the pump for powersteering as well as the HICAS.

[Remix-]

Bump!

I would be grateful for some more detailed information on how to bleed the R32 GTS-t power steering system. My pump has died and I am up for a replacement.