How to Bleed
Step 1
Do not start the engine until the system is fully bled. Doing so may cause damage to the
power steering components. Pump internals are metal on metal. Any air in the system can
cause metal to metal contact and damage.
Step 2
Raise the front wheels off the ground, or remove the pitman arm or tie rod.
Step 3
Turn steering wheel fully to the left.
Step 4
Fill fluid reservoir to “full cold” level. Leave cap off.
Step 5
Whith an assistant checking the fluid level and condition, turn the steering wheel slowly and
smoothly lock to lock until fluid level drops in pump reservoir. If fluid level has not dropped,
no fluid has moved through the system. This normally indicates a large bubble in the
reservoir or pump. Until this bubble passes, no fluid will circulate through the system.
— Do not turn the steering wheel fast as this will cause the fluid to overflow the reservoir.
Trapped air may cause fluid to overflow. Thoroughly clean any spilled fluid to allow for
leak checks.
— On systems with coolers, winches, or Rock Ram assist you may need to cycle in excess
of 40 times.
Step 6
Check fluid constantly to ensure proper level and that no bubbles exist.
— If you see any signs of bubbles, recheck all connections then repeat the steps above.
— Fluid level should be steady (Rock Ram’s level will vary slightly).
Step 7
Disable engine from starting. (Non Hydro Boost Brake Systems)
— Crank engine several revolutions. If fluid level drops, there is compressed air trapped in
the system. Repeat above steps until fluid level is stable.
— If fluid foams while cranking, wait 10 minutes or more until dispersed air has time to
accumulate and purge through the reservoir.
Step 8
Continue above steps until fluid level remains constant and no air bubbles are visible.
Step 9
If you have a hydro boost brake system continue, if not skip to Step 11.
Hydro Boost Systems Only
WARNING
These Hydro Boost specific instructions must be followed. Failure to follow these procedures can
cause your new high volume pump to become damaged or fail completely. Do not turn the
steering wheel while performing these procedures.
— Discharge the Hydro Boost brake unit by performing three full presses on the brake
pedal.
— Watch power steering reservoir for any bubbling, foaming or burping.
— Once foam clears, crank engine until it just catches and shut off.
— Discharge Hydro Boost unit with three full presses of the brake pedal.
— Repeat these steps until no air or foam is seen in the reservoir.
— If brake pedal feels soft, spongy or funny, system is not fully bled.
— Repeat above steps.
Step 10
Enable engine to start. With engine idling, maintain fluid level.
Step 11
Reinstall reservoir cap.
Step 12
Return wheels to center.
Step 13
Lower front wheels to ground or reinstall pitman arm or tie rod if removed in Step 2.
Step 14
Run engine for two minutes. Turn steering wheel in both directions.
Step 15
Do not hold steering wheel against the stops.
Step 16
Verify the following conditions:
— Smooth power assist
— Noiseless operation
— Proper fluid level
— No system leaks
— Proper fluid condition
— No bubbles, foam, or discoloration
Step 17
If all conditions are satisfied, the bleeding procedure is complete.
Step 18
If any problem exists, turn off engine and see Special Conditions below.
Special Conditions
If you experience any of the conditions listed below, there is still air in the system.
• Foam or bubbles in fluid (fluid must be completely free of bubbles).
• Power steering fluid should not rise in the reservoir when the engine is turned off. If
this occurs, there is trapped air in the system.
• Be alert to periodic bubbles that could indicate a loose connection, leaky o-ring, or a
bad flare seat in either the pressure or return hose.
• Discolored fluid (milky, opaque, or light tan color).
TIP
It is recommended on Ford Super Dutys with Hydro Boost Brakes, that the original pressure line
from the Hydro Boost Unit to the pump be replaced with the updated line. Also that the Ball Joints
be checked for lubrication, stiffness or wear.
If you have excessive metal in the fluid, the hydro boost will not bleed, is noisy or the brake pedal
feels funny, call AGR Technical Support.
NOTE
If you need to replace your hydro boost brake unit, AGR recommends replacing with a ported
unit and not an OEM unit.
