Power Assist Purge

[LEB Ben]

Well, I got both the power cylinder lines for Red yesterday, threw them both on today. Had to fab up a couple of brackets so the lines weren't loose from the control valve to the cylinder. Anyway, I got the lines on and went on my way to purge the system of air. I know this is usually a chore to get all the air out, but does anyone have anymore tips? I figure I probably have about 60-70% of the air out, bu there are still some rough/hard points from lock to lock. I did the typical, jack up the front end, pop the tie rods off and going back and forth from lock to lock (did this for about an hour). I didn't know if maybe with Power Assist system I could get lucky and have overlooked a bleeder somewhere? Can I get that lucky?

 

[Mil1ion]

If you still have air in the line trying cracking a fitting slightly ...the furthest away from the pump.

If that doesn't work, try lowering it with the wheels on the ground to offer resistance and do the lock to lock for a while.

 

[73F100Shortbed]

If you still have air in the line trying cracking a fitting slightly ...the furthest away from the pump.

If that doesn't work, try lowering it with the wheels on the ground to offer resistance and do the lock to lock for a while.

That's pretty much what I was going to say. Sometimes it takes awhile to get air out. It is rather annoying, but follow that and you should be good.

 

[LEB Ben]

Alright thanks fellas. After about 2 hours total on it last night I threw in the towel. The wheels still wanna go right when they're in the air. So no resistance on a right turn, and almost no resistance until I come back to middle. Then from middle to left lock, holy hell, she doesn't wanna go at all. I did try lowering the truck, and quit after I could smell the fluid burning.



Dennis, which particular fittings are you talking about? One down on the cylinder or one on the valve?


I know it has typically taken me an afternoon to get these things right, but I've never bled one of these systems...so didn't know if I missed a bleeder or if there were any tricks. Thanks again for the help guys.

 

[blacksnapon]

We have fittings that replace the caps on the p/s reservoirs/pumps. These fittings have nipples that you attach a vacuum pump to. Pump up the vacuum, start it up, turn the wheels a couple of times, air is gone.

 

[LEB Ben]

We have fittings that replace the caps on the p/s reservoirs/pumps. These fittings have nipples that you attach a vacuum pump to. Pump up the vacuum, start it up, turn the wheels a couple of times, air is gone.

That would be nice. Do they have 'em about 3/4" in diameter? Where can I pick up one of these nipples?

 

[blacksnapon]

That would be nice. Do they have 'em about 3/4" in diameter? Where can I pick up one of these nipples?

You could buy an extra cap, then drill and tap it for a fitting (hardware store).

 

[TexasRho83]

Ben, last I replaced a pump/reservoir, I didn't pop the tie rod ends off before doing the side to side - just ran the wheel from side to side with the wheels on the ground several times and I never had problems

 

[LEB Ben]

You could buy an extra cap, then drill and tap it for a fitting (hardware store).

Alright...I'll look into it, thanks.

Ben, last I replaced a pump/reservoir, I didn't pop the tie rod ends off before doing the side to side - just ran the wheel from side to side with the wheels on the ground several times and I never had problems

Yeah...it's never been that easy for me. Usually, I have 2-4 hours going back and forth. Apparently I have that stubborn air. And with this particualr system, it likes to get hot fast, so that doesn't make it any easier.

 

[TexasRho83]

And with this particualr system, it likes to get hot fast, so that doesn't make it any easier.

put a couple ice cubes in there

 

[Truckin4life]

seems to be a sound idea there charles.

 

[TexasRho83]

seems to be a sound idea there charles.

Yep trade the air in for water

 

[LEB Ben]

Yeah...that's a great idea. Can't wait to get out of work to try it.

 

[73F100Shortbed]

While I've never heard or seen it done the ice cube idea doesn't seem like a bad one.

 

[Truckin4life]

Not in the pump, guys it was a joke...

DO NOT DO THIS!


Ben, which hose did you replace?
and which side is acting up?

 

[LEB Ben]

While I've never heard or seen it done the ice cube idea doesn't seem like a bad one.

I doubt it would last long...

Not in the pump, guys it was a joke...

DO NOT DO THIS!


Ben, which hose did you replace?
and which side is acting up?

I know it was a joke...although, with the heat build up, wouldn't it just burn off? Then replace with fluid?

Anyway, the hoses I replaced were from the control valve to the power cylinder, they are classified as left turn and right turn hoses. Then there are two hoses that go from the pump to the control valve and I can't remember which one is HP and which LP return...so I'll have to look in my manuals...unless of course someone knows off the top of their head.

 

[TexasRho83]

I know it was a joke...although, with the heat build up, wouldn't it just burn off? Then replace with fluid?

Was definitely said with joking in mind, BUT it could work if you put the ice cubes in a baggy first.............

 

[Truckin4life]

out of curiosity is there a valve that is taken off or could have been turned around?

 

[LEB Ben]

out of curiosity is there a valve that is taken off or could have been turned around?

Dunno...didn't see one. That was the entire point of this thread, to see if maybe I missed one.:

From the very first post:

I didn't know if maybe with Power Assist system I could get lucky and have overlooked a bleeder somewhere? Can I get that lucky?

 

[Truckin4life]

well i know you were asking about draining air, can you turn the wheels at all to the right?