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DIY: A better way to bleed the power steering system
Simple one to pass along that I wish I figured out a long time ago. Rather than crack the bleeder using a series of extensions and send precious CHF 11S onto the driveway, I used a hose connected to the bleed nipple and routed it up to the reservoir. Basically it recycles the fluid while expelling the air to atmosphere. This is only a good approach if your fluid is clean. If dirty, just route the hose to a catch can and feed the reservoir as needed.
To make it all work, I removed just the air intake from the filter box to the throttle body. Takes minute or two and grants a lot more access.
1. Crack loose the bleed screw but leave it closed (11mm socket)
2. Put the hose on the bleed screw (1/4 in. I.D. x 3/8 in. O.D. x 10 ft. Clear Vinyl Tubing)
3. I was able to use the friction fit of the tubing to open/close the bleed screw. Just open it a little, not much, don't want fluid shooting around the threads.
4. Air intake back on.
Start the truck and just turn the wheel lock to lock a bunch until either your fluid is replaced or the air stops coming out. I put the axle on jack stands to help.
The steering box stays pretty clean this way and fluid loss is pretty much zero. (The fluid on mine in the pics below is just left over water from cleaning it up)
Last edited by Brandon318; Jan 29, 2026 at 10:00 PM.