Power Steer Pump Problems on MK SWB

[herks]

Anyone got any tips on bleeding the power steering on an MK SWB 86 mod.
Just had to replace the pully bearing and seal on the pump, was working perfectly except for the bearing issue before.

Put the pump back in, connected it up, bleed it by the book, nope no power steer at all. pumps working, oil circulating but nothing.
any clues?? pulled it apart and back together twice!!!

[pongo]

Jack up front wheels ( both) and rotate Steering wheel lock to lock untill it becomes good. Should be about 5 full rotations.


Cheers

[V8Patrol]

oil circulating but nothing.

What you are seeing is called "cavatation". Basically the pump is stiring up the fluid only and not actually pumping it through the system.

Disconect the return line ( usually held in place with a simple hose clamp and on the back of the pump ) & apply some suction to it topping up the pump as you go.

A "wetvac" is ideal ..... if ya still stuck then drop the brake booster hose off of the inlet manifold and use that instead ( best to run a clear SEE THROUGH plastic pipe so you can disconnect it before the oil reaches the engine.

Some times a pump will pick up the oil instantly and other times it will want to go the full 10 rounds with you ......

ding ding

Kingy

[herks]

Thanks Kingy
Yes you are right, getting punch drunk with this one!!! 20 mins to change out the stuffed bearing and 2 days to bleed the system. Frustrating.
My problem appears exactly as you described. I will give it a go and let you all know.
Thanks

[rockrover]

i hav a shorty mk also and i hav a standard steering wheel how heavy roughly is the power steering in the mks as mine is fairly heavy in comparrison to say a hilux or landcruiser i hav driven
Cheers Bourkey

[herks]

Without the power steer working and running 31's it is too heavy to drive on any road. will put kingy's post to the test this weekend and all going well be good to go.

[herks]

Hey Kingy
Your idea re the wetvav and supplying suction to the return hose worked a treat thanks.

Did not have a wetvac so made up a bottle with 2 small pipes soldered in the lid so if I applied too much suction then the fluid was captured in the bottle and did not stuff up the vac.

Worked that well I actually replaced the fluid in the whole system with some fresh stuff. Just kept topping up the reservoir.

The old girl is now back on the road, thanks