Chevrolet Trax: Power steering system bleeding

NOTE:

• Use clean, new power steering fluid only. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.
• Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause system noise.

  Ensure the hoses do not touch any other part of the vehicle.

• Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into the steering system. Ensure all hose connections are tight.
• Maintain the power steering fluid level throughout the bleeding procedure.

1. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with fluid to the minimum system level, the FULL COLD level, or the middle of the hash mark on the cap stick fluid level indicator, as applicable.
2. Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
3. With the key in the ON position and with the engine OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 12 times.

   If the vehicle is equipped with longer length power steering hoses, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 15 to 20 times.

4. Verify the power steering fluid level. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid.
5. Start the engine. Rotate the steering wheel from left to right. Inspect the power steering system for signs of cavitation or fluid aeration, like pump noise or whining.
6. Verify the fluid level. Repeat the bleed procedure, if necessary.
7. Lower the vehicle.

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID

1. Run the engine until the power steering fluid reaches about 80ºC (170ºF).
2. Turn the engine OFF.
3. If the power steering fluid reservoir is covered by a shield or a cover, remove the shield or the cover, as applicable.
4. Clean the power steering fluid reservoir and the reservoir cap.
5. Remove the reservoir cap.

NOTE: Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals.

6. Inspect the power steering fluid level in the reservoir or on the cap stick, as applicable. Ensure that the fluid level is at the HOT/FULL/MAX mark on the cap stick or on the reservoir, as applicable.

CAUTION: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.

7. Add power steering fluid if necessary. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.
8. Install the reservoir cap.
9. If you removed a shield or a cover, install the shield or the cover, as applicable.

POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUSHING

NOTE: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.

1. Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Place a large drain pan under the vehicle in order to collect the draining fluid.
3. Remove the fluid return hose at the power steering fluid reservoir or the pump inlet connection, as applicable.
4. Plug the reservoir return hose inlet connection on the power steering fluid reservoir or the pump, as applicable.

NOTE: This step may require 4 L (4 qt) of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear.

5. Have an assistant maintain the minimum fluid level in the reservoir using clean, new power steering fluid.

   Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid.

6. With the key in the ON position and with the engine OFF, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right. Continue until the fluid from the return hose runs clear.
7. Remove the plug and install the fluid return hose to the power steering fluid reservoir or the pump inlet connection, as applicable.
8. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
9. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination:

• Milky fluid - water
• Brown fluid - burnt
• Plastic debris or dirt chunks

10. If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 3-9.
11. Remove the drain pan.
12. Lower the vehicle.

POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR REPLACEMENT

Fig. 8: Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Replacement

POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY REPLACEMENT

Fig. 9: Power Steering Pump Pulley

Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement

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