Power Steering Bleeding issues

[roadtrip_69]

I realize there's already a few threads on this topic but none seem to be any more helpful than the factory manual. Just reiterating what the manual already says. So just wondering if anyone has any more specific or "trick" ways of doing this?

As I had to install a new pump due to a frontal impact incident that bent/broke the suction tube off the very front of the original. Which to my unbeknownst was not included anyways on the new pump.. So I ended up just welding it back together. But kept the new pump as the other one was at least 10 years old.

But now I can not for the life of me get the damn thing to bleed...I have done the turn to lock thing hundreds of times at this point. Both while car is off but cranking, then with car idling. Wheels of the ground both times. I got some good air out initially, and thought it felt mostly normal, drove it and apparently there was a huge air bubble, cause I lost all power steering after that point. I continue to ..when trying to bleed.. get little tiny bubbles that surface, but I can't seem to get the MAIN air out. I have even attempted to suck out the fluid in the reservoir and refill it to get any "infused" air in fluid fluid. But still not really feeling normal. The pump isn't making any noises, the fluid is cavitating so it seems to be sucking and pushing fluid. But just not giving me the same feel I had before. Like its very stiff steering. I guess its possible the old pump was on the way out itself and was just providing too loose of steering? But I would think if a pump goes bad the steering gets harder not looser?

So anyways, is there a better way.. more direct way to bleed it? Can you bleed the rack and pinion itself? If its what has the air?

Thanks!

 

[dwb]

Lock to lock procedure is enough if everything is in working order.
Are you getting any power assist? Have you checked for leaks, including inside the bellows?

Double check you got everything installed correctly. Vanes round side out and flow control valve oriented properly.
Thread 'How to rebuild and modify a power steering pump' https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/how-to-rebuild-and-modify-a-power-steering-pump.345914/

 

[chrysler kid]

Are you using the atf+4 trans fluid or something else?

 

[roadtrip_69]

Strange development today. Started up the car to do a few more minutes of lock to lock turning and it acted like it had all kinds of air(yesterday it felt "ok" but a bit heavy) ..screaming at me but after a few minutes of the bleeding procedure. It quieted down and felt uniform in feel. Still a little heavy maybe, but definitely assisting. So went for a test drive and started out good but after a few miles ..low rpms...aka stopping at a stop sign. The power steering went back out. Speed up the revs, it mostly comes back. So im guessing there's still a pocket of air some where that just wont release?.....

 

[99dsmer4g63]

Anytime I’ve bled my power steering the car is never running.

-Daniel

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I'm also wondering what fluid type you're using. The wrong type will foam and break down under stress and heat. I've had much better luck with ATF in a DSM, especially as opposed to universal power steering fluids.

 

[roadtrip_69]

Ive always used designated "power steering" fluid. Never really thought too much about it in the past. I seem to be making progress now. Only squeals a bit at start up. And feels like its giving assist. Also going from electric assist in my other vehicles to hydraulic is a change so I think its closer to what it should be than not at this point. Need to replace the belt and see where I am after another drive.

 

[chrysler kid]

Ive always used designated "power steering" fluid. Never really thought too much about it in the past. I seem to be making progress now. Only squeals a bit at start up. And feels like it’s giving assist. Also going from electric assist in my other vehicles to hydraulic is a change so I think it’s closer to what it should be than not at this point. Need to replace the belt and see where I am after another drive.

you should use atf+4 transmission fluid like it says to do on the cap, in the owners manual, and in the factory service manual.

 

[99dsmer4g63]

Ive always used designated "power steering" fluid

I’ve never owned a vehicle that the owners manual actually calls for “power steering fluid” It’s always been ATF.

-Daniel

 

[roadtrip_69]

New problem...just when I thought the bleeding issues were complete. Drove it about 8 miles no issues until I pulled in to a parking spot. And it started jumping..
The steering. Didn't really see why at the time but by the time I got home I found a broken belt. And a stripped pulley.

Anyone know the "part number" or if theres an aftermarket version?, I'm sure its discontinued like everything else for the car but figured id give it a try before I buy a whole junk yard pump just for the pulley. Can't seem to find them at any of the usual autozone/advance/rockauto.

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[99dsmer4g63]

Here one is for like $20.

1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse power steering pulley metal D39 | eBay

THIS MAY NOT HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED. LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND SEE IF IT DOES HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED. THIS IS JUST WHAT WE PULLED OFF THE CAR.

www.ebay.com

-Daniel

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Are the splines on the pump still good?

 

[roadtrip_69]

They look a little worse for wear but did not grind away like the pulley. May have been part of my issue in the first place. That pulley being stripped and slipping. I got one off ebay. Ashame they don't come with the rebuilt power steering pumps