I have done this twice.
Please do it just like this:

1) Cap OFF the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to near the top.

2) Loosen the bleeder.

3) Start the engine.

4) When running - wiggle the steering back and forth very rapidly
every 1/2 second.

Should spew out the bleeder.
I don't think you can hook the hoses up backwards.

Make sure that the hose to the reservoir is not connected wrong.
Make sure it is not sucking air.

There is just NO way this will not work.
If the pump is turning - spinning - there is fluid all the way to the top
in the reservoir and the engine is running and the bleeder is open.

Has to work.

 

Jfall,

I agree, the hose can't be hooked up backwards, not too the reservoid anyways as they are of different diameters. Only the one hose was replaced, the others are original.

My mechanic mentioned something about a valve like piece, not sure of the correct name for it, that controls the fluid when turning from one side to the other or something to that effect. He said if it goes then the steering is usually hard one way but not the other. I don't have that issue, it is hard both ways!

If the pump is spinning, no noise from it, but there is not much pressure, or it sucks air back in when turning the wheel, do you have any idea what might cause this or if I need to get a new steering box? Have you ever rebuilt a steering box or know someone that has? How difficult is it?

As always, thanks for your input I greatly appreciate it.

 

I think I recall that that valve is integral to the pump.
It screws into the pump and then the hose screws into it.

 

Would make sense as I was looking at the seal kits for the steering box and I did not see anything resembling a vavle or the like.

I will try your method once more tomorrow and see what happens. I know today I went from having stiff steering to even stiffer than I started with so I must have taken in more air.

Also, can one use ATF Dextron with the D2 power steering pumps?

 

Don't put in crap ATF.
Go to the auto parts store.
I used Honda power steering fluid.
Can't remember from two years ago.
But there was this super good steering fluid.
It was synthetic. Came in a black bottle.
Formulated for foreign imports.
I left a bottle of it in the rear of my rover and that bottle sat there for two years.
Never needed it.
I would use a special formulation for power steering not ATF.
ATF will be thick in the cold weather.

I would put in synthetic too.

 

Jfall,

Okay well I did what you had said and to no avail, my arms where getting tired! Once again, the bleeder valve draws air back into the steering box when moving the wheel from side to side slightly.The fluid level in the resrvoir did not drop when moving the wheel slightly. If I move the wheel more towards lock then the fluid level in the reservoir increases.

The lid of the reservoir was off the entire time.

Once I shut the vehicle off air comes out of the bleeder valve for 20 -30 seconds and then a steady flow, very low pressure, of fluid comes out for about another 10-15 seconds.

I don't understand why it is drawing air back into the system when the bleeder valve is opened.

Perhaps I should put this on a new thread where more people might see it?

 

1) Fill your reservoir to the max fill line.
2) Start engine
3) Turn steering wheel ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT, then let go
4) Go under the hood.
5)Use a super long 3/8 extension and ratchet, with an 11mm deep socket and crack the bleeder zurk loose...maybe a 1/2 turn..watch fluid come out for 3-5 seconds.
6) TIGHTEN BLEEDER ZURK

 

Whoops...wasnt done!!

7) Go and turn the steering wheel ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT, let go
8) Use your rat**** and bleed again...
9) Repeat process if needed
10) TOP OFF YOUR RESERVOIR

 

Motorhead -

When I turn the wheel all the way to one side and let go, do I return the wheel to the normal positon or leave it where it remains once letting go? When I turn the wheel all the way to one side the fluid level in the reservoir raises - will opening the bleed valve at this point then create the suction needed to push the air out and will the fluid level then drop?

Thanks for the suggestion, I will try it and see what happens. I am trying everything I can before buying a new steering box as per the mechanics suggestion even though the first power steering pump and this second one have not worked... yet!

Also, before when turning the wheel and then cracking the bleed valve, nothing happened other than air being drawn in. It is when shutting it off and opening the valve that air and fluid finally dribbled out.

 

I just leave the steering wheeel where it stops..So you will be bleeding for just a few seconds. Turn the wheel all the way to the other side to the lock and then let go...bleed

Its always worked for me when doing this job by myself.

If the system doesnt pressure up and bleed for you, then you have something else going on