Power Steering advice, Merq V8 2006

[RandyR]

I have a 2006 mercury marquis, 4.6L V8 (240ci I think).

 

The power steering has gone out on me. fluid was very low, I filled it, and it was low again in 10 minutes. I see a leak in a pressure hose (where a metal and rubber line are joined) in front of the right front axle. Probably got caught on a rock or stick or something.

 

Bought the hose assembly from Autozone which took 3 days to get in stock.

 

Question. Whats the proper way to bleed the power steering if the new hose otherwise resolves that problem? The car does steer almost normal for 5 minutes after filling the reservoir, so I think there may not be major damage.

 

I see conflicting info searching around on the internet. 1 site says I have to insert a special vaccum pump into the reservoir. I obviously don't have such a pump. I a generic reference to using a bleeder valve (like brakes have), but can't find any bleeder valve. Another generic source says loosen the high pressure side of the line and turn the wheel lock to lock to force air out, and then re-tighten it. Has anyone actually done this on this type car? The Mercury Marquis and Ford Crown Vic are mostly identical.

 

http://randyrick.us/Merc/2006MercLeftside.JPG

Edited October 11, 2013 by RandyR

[rougeray]

Send an email to Louis at agcoauto.com. He will usually answer within 24 hrs. He will be on the radio Saturday morning between 10 & 11 on WJBO Baton Rouge, LA if you want to talk to him personally. His web site has a tremendous amount of information and it may already have an answer listed. Have all my work done at his shop. Good luck!

[rougeray]

After a quick search of his web site I found this info:

 

Cleaning and removing air when repairing hydraulic steering

 

As with any hydraulic system, cleanliness is imperative. Routinely replacing power steering fluid may prevent many problems. When a steering component fails, it is necessary to remove any debris from the system. Filtering machines are often used by shops for this purpose. If no such machine is available, removing the return hose and continuously pouring fluid into the reservoir is better than nothing.

 

Hydraulic steering will not operate properly if air is caught in the system. Air most often enters when there is a leak, allowing the reservoir to empty. Air may also enter through weak seals on the input side or during part replacement. With air in the system, there is often a characteristic whine or moan when the steering wheel is turned.

 

Some systems will self-bleed when the fluid is replenished. It may be very difficult to remove the air from other systems. The following procedure gives good results in most instances, without special equipment.

 

Power steering bleeding procedure

 

Fill the power steering reservoir with the proper fluid and leave the cap off. Raise the front wheels off the ground and support them. Without starting the engine, grasp one wheel and slowly turn it in until it stops. Wait a few seconds, and turn out until the wheel stops. Repeat this procedure about ten times, waiting several seconds between cycles. Top off the reservoir, replace the cap and start the engine. If noise is still present, repeat the procedure.

Power steering is like most things, prevention is the best policy. Regularly replacing power steering fluid and repairing leaks immediately will prevent most major problems. Selecting quality tires also has a big affect on steering components. Low quality tires are simply too expensive when the cost of damage they cause is considered.

[buddy]

very simple fill system start up turn wheel both directions all the way to the turn stops couple times turn off leave cap off of reservoir to let air bleed out go drink a coke- beer etc come back start up turn wheel again shut off come back after more coke-beer etc total time about 15 min.

 

Note : as long there is no damage to p/s pump - rackin-pinon system you be fine!

 

Been doing this to all our police cars-trucks for over 10 yrs works every time

[Yammer Dan]

What Buddy said !! Works as good as Sea-Foam...:whistling::rotfl:

[RandyR]

Thx guys. I'll let you know how it goes. This has been a good car so far, I'm hoping it outlasts me.