How To: Prime Power Steering Pump

[JustinKing]

I recently emptied the power steering out to do my timing belt, what is the correct way to prime it back? Do I just fill the reservior?

[Domasto]

Power steering fluid replacement is rarely required. Most auto manufacturers do not regulate the interval for its replacement - it is filled for the entire service life.
Since you have already emptied the tank...

Filling with new fluid is done through the expansion tank. Usually there are airlocks in the hydraulic system, disrupting its performance. They should be removed. It is easier to do this way: start the engine, open the expansion tank cap and start turning the steering wheel several times from one extreme position to another. As the hydraulic system is pumped, the fluid level in the reservoir will decrease and the airlocks will be removed.

[cjt671]

I recently emptied the power steering out to do my timing belt, what is the correct way to prime it back? Do I just fill the reservior?

Fill the reservoir, turn the wheel lock to lock around 10-15 times, ideally with the front wheels off the ground, then start the engine and do the same, be sure to keep reservoir topped off..

dont rev the engine up until you have bled the system


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[JustinKing]

Thank you!

[Kevin C]

When I did the rack RS4 rack swap on mine it seemed to be a non issue. I filled the reservoir, idled the engine turned the rack lock to lock topped it off and drove it. Power steering fluid, like any hydraulic fluid does accumulate contaminants over time. The system is not filtered so what ever particles are generated stay there. Fresh fluid in a 15+ year old car is not a bad idea, at 160,000 miles mine was quite dark. I even put a magnet on the end of the dipstick, yes the pump will produce fine metal particles. Overkill? Yes but it it a good way to keep track of things and it may help reduce wear on the rack seals.