Steering maintenance problem

[skullsplitter]

I have a 1996 Explorer in which I just replaced the rack and pinion. When I started it up and turned the wheel to bleed the system, the wheel jumped out of my hand and violently oscillated back and forth until I shut off the engine. The wheel stays still until I start to turn it and then does as described above. I double checked the check valve in the pressure port and it is there and correctly installed. The pressure and return lines are in their proper places. Any ideas? Anyone else have this experience?

 

[xpolice-explorer]

Bleeding, Power Steering System — Air Purge With External Vacuum Source
Special Service Tool(s)
Vacuum Pump
D95L-7559-A or equivalent
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel in the far right or left position or damage to the power steering system may result.
CAUTION: If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly power steering pump failure could result.

1. Remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
2. Tightly insert the stopper of the vacuum pump into the power steering fluid reservoir.
3. Start the vehicle.
4. Apply maximum vacuum and maintain it for a minimum of three minutes at idle.
5. Release the vacuum and remove the vacuum source.
6. Add power steering fluid until the level reaches the center mark.
7. Reinstall the vacuum source. Apply and maintain maximum vacuum.
8. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel in the far right or left position or damage to the power steering system may result.
Cycle the steering wheel from stop to stop every thirty seconds for approximately five minutes.
9. Stop the engine, release the vacuum, and remove the vacuum source.
10. Add power steering fluid if necessary. Install the cap.
11. Start the engine and cycle the steering wheel from stop to stop every thirty seconds for approximately five minutes.
12. Check for fluid leaks at all of the connections. If the power steering fluid shows signs of air, repeat the procedure.

 

[skullsplitter]

Thank you for your reply.

I did find out what was wrong. SInce it had been a week or more since I removed the rack, I referred to the instructions that came with the rebuilt unit. They were wrong, and I connected the lines backwards. While trying to purge the system as directed in the instructions, I also damaged the pump and now have to replace it.

FUTURE READERS BEWARE: The A1 Cardone rebuilt rack & pinion instructions are wrong. If you follow them, you WILL have the same problem and may well damage your P.S. pump as well.

NAPA has said that they will be forwarding the problem on to A1 Cardone.

We shall see....

 

[xpolice-explorer]

I found the same thread about the wrong positions and then lost it when i tried to go back to it. It's good to know, considering I'm getting ready to change mine out. The above reply about bleeding the system came from Mitchell Manual. I have found it very effective getting all the air out of any vehicle, usally the first time.

 

[1Aauto]

welcome to the site