2. Maintenance of the power steering consists of checking the tension and condition of the alternator belt, as well as checking the level of the hydraulic fluid. The power steering can is located in the engine compartment on the front side member. There are 3 marks on the tank:
- MIN - Minimum fluid level (cold engine)
- COLD - Normal liquid level (cold engine)
- HOT - maximum liquid level (hot engine).
3. Only clean hydraulic fluid of the correct brand should be poured into the reservoir (see specs). Frequent need to add fluid indicates a leak that must be found and repaired. If you let the pump run dry (without liquid), it will inevitably fail. To prevent this from happening, you can disconnect the drive belt.
Bleeding the power steering system
4. If the fluid level in the reservoir drops so low that air is supplied to the pump, and also after replacing the parts of the power steering, it is necessary to bleed its system as follows.
5. Top up the liquid in the tank until the desired level is reached.
6. Start the engine and leave it to idle. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock two or three times, trying not to hold it in the extreme position.
7. Turn off the engine and check the fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid as needed. Inspect the power steering fittings for notches.
Power steering pump - removal and installation
8. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
9. Remove the alternator and the alternator/power steering pump drive belt.
10. Remove the bolts securing the tensioner bracket to the booster pump.
11. Place a suitable container under the pump, disconnect the tubes from the pump and allow the liquid to drain.
12. Turn out 3 fixing bolts and to remove the pump.
13. Installation of the pump is carried out in reverse order. Tension the alternator/pump drive belt.
14. Before starting the engine, pour approximately 0.3 liters of fluid into the power steering reservoir. Slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times.
15. Bleed the power steering system (see above).