Q: How do
I bleed the air out of my hydraulic
steering system ?
A: The
method to bleed a hydraulic steering
system varies for a Self-contained
and a Full Power Hydraulic. Both
are briefly outlined below:
'Self-contained System' Bleeding:
After the Capilano® helm is
filled per the Capilano® instructions
and with the filler tube connected
to the highest port on the helm,
disconnect hoses on the cylinder
farthest from the helm and connect
together using a flare union.
While keeping the filler tube
half full so as not to allow air
back into the system, slowly turn
the wheel in one direction 25
turns. Reconnect hoses on cylinder
and repeat for other cylinder.
Reconnect hoses to cylinder.
During the following bleeding
process, keep the filler tube
half full so as not to allow air
back into the system. Turn the
wheel hard-over in one direction.
While holding pressure against
motor in the hard-over direction
turn the wheel in the opposite
direction while cracking the cylinder
hose fitting that is being pressurized.
This is the port that is closest
to the piston rod when the rod
is extended and the port that
is farthest from the piston rod
when the rod is retracted. When
almost hard-over in the other
direction, tighten the hose fitting
while still turning wheel so as
to prevent air being re-introduced
into the system. Turn the wheel
hard-over in opposite direction,
then repeat process for other
cylinder.
Repeat the bleeding at the cylinder
ports until there is no air left
in the system. Shake the motors
to check for any play. When the
motors do not move back and forth
more than 1/16", the system
is air-free.
'Full Power Hydraulic System'
Bleeding: Ensure that all
hydraulic lines and fittings are
securely tightened before starting
the bleeding process. During the
entire bleeding process, check
the oil level in the steering
reservoir regularly and top up
when necessary. DO NOT LET RUN
DRY ! Turn on the engine or engines
that are fitted with a power steering
pump and let run for a few minutes
without touching the steering
wheel. With the power steering
pump(s) running, turn the steering
wheel hard-over in one direction
and release the wheel. With a
bucket placed under one of the
steering cylinders, crack the
hose fitting that is closest to
the piston. This is the port that
is closest to the piston rod when
the rod is extended and the port
that is farthest from the piston
rod when the rod is retracted.
Allow the oil to leak out of the
fitting until there is a solid
stream of oil, then tighten the
fitting. With the steering wheel
in the same position, repeat this
step for any other cylinders.
Check oil level in reservoir and
top if necessary.
After tightening the cylinder
hose fitting(s), turn the steering
wheel 'hard-over' to the other
side then release the wheel. Repeat
the bleeding process at the cylinders
as described above. Check oil
level in steering reservoir and
top if necessary.
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